Royal Oak or Patek Aquanaut?

[mario1971]

My Dear! I've already redid some watches in the last five years. I had, among others, 4 Omegas, including the latest Snoopy, Sinn U50, JLC Reverso 1931, Rado, Grand Seiko, Certina. 15 of the most popular Rolexes scrolled through my box. Currently, there are 4 models of my favorite brand in the collection; 116710BLNR, 126710BLRO, 116610LV and 116500LN with Panda white dial. The pearl in my collection, however, is my formal ALS 1815 Up/Down in rose gold. I decided to go a step further and try something from Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet. My choice fell on PP Aquanaut 5167A-001 or AP Royal Oak 15510ST with a gray dial. I am asking for your advice and comments on both of these watches, as well as your own thoughts and opinions. I look forward to a lively and substantive discussion! :)

[PhilLynott]

Since they're so different from one another I'd say strive to eventually add both if you're torn. For now adding just one it's down to personal preference. For me it's the 5167A I love watches on rubber and this exact model has grown on me a ton over time. I've also never been a fan of the RO personally.

[MONTANTK]

Me personally I’d go for the RO. I’ve never been a fan of the Aquanaut. With that said, I think the Aquanaut is a little more subdued on the wrist whereas the RO will definitely stand out. Some people will like that and others won’t

[cotway]

I have had several Royal Oak Chronographs and sold them both. I even had a Royal Oak Dual Time...that one is gone as well. I could never get the bracelet to feel comfortable; even with half links. It is a way more flashy watch than the Aqua - I have the 5164A and love it. The Aqua is a much more comfortable watch to wear for me than the Royal Oak. Legibility is fantastic on the Aqua as well. They really are very different watches. My vote would be for the PP...just my $.02...

[enjoythemusic]

Sounds like you flip often, is that a factor in your decision?

[mario1971]

I will add that I am like a magpie - I like interesting, lively watches, and on the other hand, I value the comfort of wearing and the readability of the indications.

[mario1971]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Sounds like you flip often, is that a factor in your decision?

I buy and test, because only in this way - organoleptically I am able to form the right opinion about a given watch.

[Ichiran]

I love both RO and Aquanaut. I tend to choose metal bracelet over rubber but for this comparison, the 15510 is too big for my wrist. 41mm RO wear like a 43mm watch.

[ts3]

Just by the looks of these two watches and disregarding size and comfort I prefer the 15510 grey.

However, I don't think the 15510 works on my 6.6 inch wrist. Even the 5167A looked big on me when I thought about getting one a decade ago long before the hype. The real issue was that 5167A didn't wow me on the wrist unlike 3700, 5711 blue, and 5712.

[mario1971]

One more update. My wrist is a solid 19cm.

[ap1]

I prefer comfort of the 5167 but a RO bracelet sure is marvelous

[deuxani]

First off, how are you buying these watches? Via the boutiques or grey? Because the Aquanaut is a lot more expensive on the market. Via boutiques it's going to be a long wait for either, in which case you might as well register for both of them.

But regardless of price, Royal Oak is the clear winner for me. It is the best looking watch on the market in my opinion. The combination of the story, the design, the dial, markers & hands, bezel, case and the best looking bracelet, with on top of that the sharp brushing and polishing, it's no competition.
If you would compare it to the Nautilus I would still choose the Royal Oak, but it would be closer. But the Aquanaut on rubber in steel in my opinion is totally not worth its price and I personally don't like the numerals and markers.

[mario1971]

Second-hand purchase from a professional reseller.

[wigdog63]

AP for the matching date window

[lig]

For the bracelet alone I'd go with the AP.

The bezel is far more interesting to me as well.

The way the light plays off the markers on the dial adds to the AP advantage IMO.

No question which way I'd go in this matchup. :)

[HMHM]

I would take the Aquanaut tbh... the RO has a better bracelet, but wearing the Aquanaut feels much more like an occasion than the RO for me.

[djnick]

Aqua used to be the entry level model from Patek for those who couldn't get a Naut. I would not pay the resale prices for that watch. Royal Oak all the way even at resale but honestly both watches are pretty played out

[RolexBHR]

AP RO, the finishing effort and workmanship on exterior and dial of the RO is on another level.

[MichelleP]

I'm not a big fan of the Aquanaut. Previously owned a 5167 and never bonded with it. Currently have a 15450 Royal Oak and love it. So AP RO for me by far.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I buy and test, because only in this way - organoleptically I am able to form the right opinion about a given watch.

Ahhh, in that case RO.

[Dreamy]

Audemars Piguet

[hgg43c]

based on what you currently have - I would say the AP makes more sense.

[Calatrava r]

RO all the way if your wrist can pull it off. As they said, it wears large.

[mps354]

I’d go 5167…perfect daily

[BLACKHORSE 6]

RO > Aquanaut

But that’s just amy opinion. Both are great watches.

[nauti1us]

In this specific instance, Aquanaut - flies a little more under the radar for a daily and is a more contrasting piece to your other watches.

[danwang0520]

not a fan of Aquanaut, I'd go with AP RO personally...

[mickyd329]

RO in this case. Aqua never did anything for me.

[kaiserphoenix]

5167 for me all day every day. Its just simply a more versatile piece. It has more water resistance than a Rolex Explorer and is thin and light. Still has the cachet of being a PP and reliable movement, tried and tested.

Don't get me wrong, the AP RO is a stunner as well but the issue with that model is that there are so many variants and the 41mm just feels so plate like on the wrist.

[John Doyle]

AP is a one watch company - go with Aquanaut + it's only 40k USD above retail :)