AP Durability

[Sunny_Submariner]

Hello everyone, this is probably a dumb question, but I had to ask. My collection is currently composed of 2 Rolexes (an OP and Sub Date) and I love both. The aspect about Rolex that I really appreciate is everyday durability; I feel like I can wear either one without having to worry about damaging it. Can I expect the same levels of durability with an AP as I do with a Rolex? Would I suddenly have to be way more careful and cautious?

[AshAP]

Few watches are bulletproof like Rolex however I’ve worn APs daily for around the last 14 years and I’ve never had any problems. I’d recommend either buying new or if you buy used then only if it’s had a recent AP service.


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[fsprow]

I have found the main difference to be that Rolex watches can generally take a pretty strong blow and still run fine. Part of the reason is the way the movement is mounted and made very sturdily, if not beautifully. However, in normal use, including tough sports - the AP holds up just fine.

[supernova]

I feel the Offshores have comparable durability to say a Sub.

The RO on other hand, I baby a bit more than my Rolex but can still be worn everyday fine.

[eskiserkan]

AP has better craftmanship, but its delicate... Think like an exotic car vs AMG Merc. or BMW M

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by eskiserkan

AP has better craftmanship, but its delicate... Think like an exotic car vs AMG Merc. or BMW M

Not my experience, what is yours? My RO has been rock climbing, swimming, golfing and general screwing around. Never a problem. Not at all delicate.

[subtona]

AP is plenty durable especially with a Ceramic bezel model.

[Dabbadon8]

Anyone have any stories, good or bad, about walking into a door frame or dropping an AP RO (not offshore) and it being fine (or needing service)? I feel I do this frequently enough for it to be a concern (the banging into door frame more than the dropping). If I got a RO I’d want to daily it and I’ve heard mixed things about the durability of the regular SS RO.

[maciej]

I’ve worn mine every day for the past six years.

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by maciej

I’ve worn mine every day for the past six years.

Which model?

[m3jasper]

I would wear it daily without hesitation.

[Speed]

Which AP?

Stainless or PM bezels will scratch if you stare too hard.

Innards seem more sensitive that a Rolex movement as well. My 15300 has has had three services in 6 years. The instigator of services is usually the date wheel sticking when using the quickset feature.

[WatchEater666]

AP is less shock resistant than most Rolex models for sure. Not to mention the AP RO has pretty low water resistance relative to most Rolex models.

[NYG1121]

You need more wrist awareness. It will scratch like any other watch and frankly, I think it is overblown.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by NYG1121

You need more wrist awareness. It will scratch like any other watch and frankly, I think it is overblown.

i agree, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. it's just the way it's polished that makes scratches more visible if they happen, but otherwise it's not easier to scratch than a rolex is

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by huncho

i agree, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. it's just the way it's polished that makes scratches more visible if they happen, but otherwise it's not easier to scratch than a rolex is

+1, but it is also easier to ding with the door frames, accidentally bumps etc on the bezel. Can also always replace the bezel, but Rolex is pretty care free, this will be less care free IMHO.

Bottom line, just get AP and keep a Rolex beater and you'll have the best of both worlds.

[Burlington]

Get the diver and it’s robust enough for just about everything you wouldn’t want to wear a G Shock for.

[maciej]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

Which model?

Originally bought a stainless Offshore Diver, then upgraded to an Offshore Panda, then moved to a 44mm Offshore in Titanium, and the past year I've worn my ceramic perpetual calendar every day.