What will I notice as soon as I pick an AP up?

[Bstewart]

I'm a Breitling and Rolex guy, never handled an AP before. Is there an obvious difference when you pick one up for the first time?

[thekman]

Originally Posted by Bstewart

I'm a Breitling and Rolex guy, never handled an AP before. Is there an obvious difference when you pick one up for the first time?

Yes there is an incredible difference and I don't even know where to start explaining it. Do yourself a favor and check them out at any boutique or grey dealer.

[Vince_76]

The finishing/craftsmanship is a whole different level. AP’s finishing makes Rolex feel like a kid’s watch to me (still great and serves purpose though, not throwing shade).

[Jgives]

For me it was how the bracelet reflected light, still my favorite part.

[HJZS2K]

For the RO, the beautiful bracelet as Jgives mentions. For the ROO, it was the feeling of sturdiness, but that was probably mental.

[Vivalas]

First time I tried on an AP I was drawn to the bracelet first.

[10XRolex]

It equates to getting your first "real" job, walking down the aisle to get married, the birth of your child, moving into your first apartment or purchase of a new home. There is no feeling like it until it happens to you. You won't know until it happens and when it does you most likely will never forget that feeling.

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by Bstewart

I'm a Breitling and Rolex guy, never handled an AP before. Is there an obvious difference when you pick one up for the first time?

Hmmmmm... it's like going from a Ford Mustang GT to a Porsche 911 Turbo S

[Birch]

Originally Posted by Jgives

For me it was how the bracelet reflected light, still my favorite part.

And here I am thinking of buying one with a strap

[911AP]

It's like having McDonald's for the first time......

[911AP]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

Hmmmmm... it's like going from a Ford Mustang GT to a Porsche 911 Turbo S

Funny story.....I actually did this. Though I went from a GT500 to a turbo S

[Ichiran]

Assuming you are referring to the RO, I was drawn to the design of the bracelet, the beautiful “Tapisserie” dial and the whole integrated look from case to bracelet.

[neal.jy]

The various angles and facets on the bracelet, bezel, hour markers, hands, etc and the way they all play with the light is incredible. It’s refined and elegant, but still bold and sporty at the same time.. and it’s super comfortable on the wrist as well. Definitely try to handle one if you can!

[GoWarriors]

Originally Posted by Birch

And here I am thinking of buying one with a strap

Offshore?

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by 911AP

It's like having McDonald's for the first time......

[Birch]

Originally Posted by GoWarriors

Offshore?

Yep.

[DonLee]

Originally Posted by Bstewart

I'm a Breitling and Rolex guy, never handled an AP before. Is there an obvious difference when you pick one up for the first time?

It's a very rough watch on the touch, because there's a lot of sharp edges. Where a Rolex or Patek rounds out every 90 degree angle, Royal Oaks have sharp bevels. Where Rolex have very smooth surfaces, the unpolished backside of the case gives the watch a very industrial feel.

[m3tek44]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

Hmmmmm... it's like going from a Ford Mustang GT to a Porsche 911 Turbo S

+1

Sent from my SM-S908U1 using Tapatalk

[Commandopat]

My first AP is a 43mm black and steel ROO, and coming from a Rolex DSSD, it feels light and “fragile”.
It is a beautiful watch but it feels dainty compared to my DSSD which I have no concerns wearing anywhere in any amount of water, whereas the ROO I’m a lot more self conscious about.
Craftsmanship is indeed amazing, and it’s a great change to go from one to the other.
I will probably get a RO next although I have almost an 8” wrist so it’ll take some getting used to.
I think the bracelet is the difference between the AP and my Rolex that will make the biggest difference.

[MONTANTK]

Handled my first AP a month and a half ago and the level of finish is crazy. You might be able to notice a difference between Breitling and Rolex but the difference between both of those and an AP is clear as day

[J.T.]

As others have stated fit, finish, craftsmanship are worlds apart. I have a few Rolex, Offshore and Royal Oak. I'd drop the Rolexes in a heartbeat if I had to narrow down the collection

[Jgives]

Large decrease to your checking account…

…then the shiny bracelet. :)

[S1mplee]

You wear AP like jewelry.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Yes. It will be obvious.

[Colnick]

Yes, have loved watches my whole life, handled an AP Royal Oak 15000 for the first time and impulsively bought it, for all the reasons previously listed.

[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by S1mplee

You wear AP like jewelry.

This. Definitely not as rugged & robust but it's not meant be that way

[GB-man]

Bracelet construction and finishing

[Rockland]

The big smile on your face.

[subgreen]

The feel of the watch …..and the screws, are all lined up perfectly. That’s what drives me crazy with Hublot…..the screw heads are positioned in every direction. I wouldn’t touch a Hublot if you paid me.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by subgreen

The feel of the watch …..and the screws, are all lined up perfectly. That’s what drives me crazy with Hublot…..the screw heads are positioned in every direction. I wouldn’t touch a Hublot if you paid me.

+1000. Some of the Spirit of Big Bang models would be amusing as a "bargain" RM alternative, but seeing the screws point every which way is just maddening. They could just switch to RM torx type screws to hide that, it's not like the inspiration isn't obvious in any case.