AP or VC

[sashap]

Hello everyone,
It’s been a long time since I posted - I am looking for some help in deciding where to go next with my watch journey:
- I currently have ceramic Rolex Sub and Daytona (Panda), PAM 233 dot dial and IWC 5007-05. Also on the waiting list for Pepsi.
- Got the itch to get the next watch and narrowed it down to AP ROO Diver (Blue Dial) or VC Overseas Dual Time with blue dial. PAM 233 and IWC will have to go to contribute to the overall cost of the new watch.
I know that two options are completely different watches but given cost is similar, I would appreciate any thoughts you may share. I am leaning towards VC for versatility, exclusiveness and under the radar appearance (could cover IWC office duties) but always wanted the AP in my collection and Daytona in my collection can cover my office wear if I go this route (also feel that it is a safer buy should I ever decide to trade up). I’d much appreciate any views you can share.

Thanks!

[ChetBaker]

VC over AP in most cases and certainly here.

[991C4S]

I have both. I wear my AP Diver less and less as I am outgrowing its size and style that originally attracted me. Mind you, I purchased my Diver from the authorized retailer in 2017.

I have a second generation VC Overseas, 47040. It is a fantastic watch. However, I have set my sights on the 4500v which is moons ahead in every department and hopefully for my birthday in a few months, I can trade up for the new model.

I would vote VC. Welcome back! Cheers.

[EdwardC]

Welcome to the forum

VC is more diverse while AP makes better sport watches. You seem to be looking for something more sporty than casual. My advice is to try the all first. If that's not possible, then watch as many reviews as you can because some are biased.

No bad choice here and between the 2 I would pick the Overseas.

[vipereaper30]

Overseas, don't over think this one!

[rapide66]

I would vote for the VC Overseas as I find all the ROOs to be too chunky and difficult to wear to the office.

[cascavel]

Another vote for VC Overseas.

[1William]

I prefer the VC hands down.

[derekhayden]

That exact AP Diver is at the top of my list for my next watch. This being said it would depend on your lifestyle as that VC is great also. I don't work in an office anymore and am around water as often as possible which is why I am leaning towards the diver. If I was in an office setting I would go VC. The real answer is both

Look forward to a future incoming whichever you choose.

[danwang0520]

Why go for the AP ROO diver when you got the best diving watch, referring to the Submariner, on the planet?!

Personally, I’d choose the VCO dual-time here as it is a very versatile and practical watch. You can wear it to work on the weekdays and even take it to the pool or beach. Also, you can take it to vacation or business travel as it is a GMT watch.


Current collection: 1) Rolex Submariner(116610LV), 2) Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional(311.30.42.30.01.006), 3) Rolex GMT-Master II(126710BLNR), 4) Breitling B01 Navitimer 43(AB0138211B1A1)

[RaZCaL]

VCO hands down. The versatility of the quick strap change from bracelet to rubber to leather is unmatched. And that blue dial is simply the best on the market! I’m a big avid for VCs.

[dal1234]

I am about to narrow down my collection of 6 watches for 1 VC

4300V/120R

therfore i am a little bias

[IGY]

Overseas. No question.

Overseas so much more refined and versatile with the styling and the quick change strap. And travel time is such a useful complication. I just wish my wrist were big enough to carry it off, as I would have one myself.

Google search: "Wrist transplants"

[yossariansdog]

VC, definitely

[Audevache]

And yet another vote for the VC. I'm biased as I own the silver dial v7900.

The DT complication is very useful, the quick change strap system amazing, totally changing the style of the watch between leather, rubber and nice steel bracelet at any moment.

While I love and own AP as well, the Offshore collection in general never did it for me, even though the diver is probably the best option in the series (just saw it live at the AP House earlier this week).

[charger_vital]

If it were the ROO chrono, then it would be a different story. But between the ROO "diver" and the VC Dual Time (1st or 2nd gen), it's the VC all day.

[hgg43c]

for me it would be the VC - but you really should get both watches on your wrist and then make a decision rather than polling the forum

[MichelleP]

VC by a mile

[thetahoess]

VC 11 times out of 10. I have several APs and never wear them anymore. I don't care for what the brand has begun to stand for, nor the experience the boutiques have given since 2020. On the other hand I'm an avid VC collector as well, and love their product, people, experience, and diversity of horological offerings.

B

[kinopravda]

The VC all the way

[ts3]

Why not a 39mm RO Dual Time which I'd likely prefer over both the ROO diver and the 3rd series VC Overseas Dual Time. Too small or too expensive?

[raclaims]

I really enjoy both brands but of the 2 the VC DT is a winner

The diver is a bit bland and the vc can be sporty or dressy and useful complication and awesome strap change system.

[DJH1977]

Offshores are too thick to be comfortable to me, sorry to say. So I would not buy another one.

[Cayenne06]

Vc.

[Bug04]

VC by far.

[Easy E]

The VC in this case, no contest

[mongrelnomoad]

The Offshore is not the Royal Oak to buy. VC 100% in this comparison.

That said, choose what speaks to YOU.

[sashap]

Thank you everyone! I did not expect as many replies and certainly did not expect that everyone would be as aligned on the VC option. I have pretty much decided to go with VC - now, given I was advised that wait time is 5 years when I put my name on the list, I am tempted to look for second hand one as the timeline in my head is 3-5 months not 3-5 years :) Apparently black dial option is a 2 year wait but blue is sooo special. Will post some pics once I eventually get it.

[sashap]

Originally Posted by ts3

Why not a 39mm RO Dual Time which I'd likely prefer over both the ROO diver and the 3rd series VC Overseas Dual Time. Too small or too expensive?

I really like RO but it is 2x the price so out of my budget. At that price, I’d probably stretch to get PP Aquanaut. Also have fundamental issue paying massive premiums to retail. With Vacheron, aftermarket mint condition watches are within 20% of the retail (7% if you consider you would pay 13% tax here in Canada). IMO, that’s a reasonable price to pay to skip 5 years of waiting.

[sashap]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

The Offshore is not the Royal Oak to buy. VC 100% in this comparison.

That said, choose what speaks to YOU.

Both of them speak to me, that’s the problem! :)
I’m sure I’m not the only one with this issue…