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Old 19 July 2017, 12:54 AM   #1
Suttree
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Help Choosing A One Watch Daily Wearer

Hello everyone. First off, I’m a long time lurker on the forums and grateful for all for the information (and enabling) I've gathered. Been saving up a while now for my first “big purchase” as a daily wearer. A recent stroke of luck at the casino finally put me over the top, and now I have the problem of making a final decision and pulling the trigger. I figure what better way to do so than seeking the advice of the fellow watch maniacs here?

I've narrowed it down to these options:
1) AP Royal Oak 15400/15450 (probably white dial)
2) AP Offshore Diver (black)
3) Rolex Datejust 41 126331 (Everose gold, Chocolate Dial, Jubilee, Fluted)

All are pretty close in terms of price.

I've been waffling back and forth on pretty much a daily basis. So I've tried to break it down into a list of pros/cons:

Royal Oak:
Pros:
1) I love the bracelet and the overall finish of the piece. Just a beautiful watch.
2) Exclusivity. There are no AP boutiques or AD’s within a few hundred miles of where I live, so it seems unlikely I'll see another in the wild around here. Which is fun.
3) It's trivial, but the movement is gorgeous and I love the sapphire caseback. Even if I'll hardly ever see it because it will almost always be on my wrist.
4) Seems a good candidate for formal, business casual, and casual wear.
5) It's a Royal Oak. It's an icon.

Cons:
1) People say its a scratch magnet and it's possible it might not be the best candidate for a daily. I'm not going to fret over scratches and swirls (they're going to happen), but I don't intend to baby it either and want it to stay looking good.
2) Deserved or not, some say the movement is somewhat fragile. I wouldn't wear it golfing or doing certain jobs whereas with Rolex I doubt I'd bat an eye.


Diver:
Pros:
1) Same as 1-3 (minus the bracelet) from the pros above.
2) LOVE the mega-tapissarie pattern. Very cool looking and (to me) a bit more “manly.”

Cons:
1) Not a big fan of the rubber strap. I know it's a dive watch and meant for water, but it just seems off to me to stick a beautiful high end piece on rubber. I'd eventually have to shell out for the Offshore Bracelet. Putting it on leather negates the point of having a dive watch as I couldn't swim with it.
2) It's 42mm to start with, and AP’s wear big, so it's possible this may be too much watch for me to pull off. Have trips to NYC and Vegas in the next couple months so will find out in person if this is so.
3) Don't think it's quite as versatile as the Royal Oak across all situations.
Same as #2 from Royal Oak cons.


Datejust 41:
Pros:
1) While it's the same 41mm size as the 15400, it wears smaller and might be a better fit for my wrist. I tried one on in the Bahamas two weeks ago and it seemed fine. Good wrist presence and comfortable.
2) Jubilee bracelet will hide scratches better and I love the look of it as well.
3) I trust the Rolex to hold up against whatever I throw at it.
4) I really like the everose gold look, and having precious metals in the mix (aside from the rotor and bezel screws in the AP) helps to justify the cost (to my girlfriend, at least).
5) If I have questions or need help with something, there's 3 Rolex dealers within 30min of my house.

Cons:
1) It's a Rolex. People will recognize it instantly, wether they say anything or not. Not exactly under the radar.
2) May be a bit “blingy”? Not sure, just know that I like it. The SS models didn't do much for me.
3) Like I said, there's 3 Rolex dealers around, in an area where other brands are scarce. If you walk into a corporate office or see a high end watch while out and about, odds are you're seeing a Rolex.
4) Solid case back (which is trivial really- just like seeing it work.)


Just a bit about me: I'm 28 and work for a property management company and our office is a very laid back business casual. Could wear jeans everyday if I want. Mostly jeans/shorts and polos/tshirts in my off hours.

I don't know my wrist size at the moment, need to find a tailer’s tape or something to measure, but here is a pic of a BLNR on my wrist I tried on a whim a few months back.


Sorry for the super long post, just trying to put all the info out there. Any help or insight you could give would be much appreciated. Thanks all!

(EDIT: It won't let me post the pic from my phone as it is too big. Will try to resize it from my computer later on and will post back.)
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Old 19 July 2017, 01:57 AM   #2
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BLNR on my wrist. I think it's about 7"


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Old 19 July 2017, 02:01 AM   #3
hugs
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Firstly I would eliminate the diver as the only additional "Pro" you listed is the mega tapissarie dial yet you listed multiple additional "cons".

I would go with the RO personally. You said you like a bit of bling and the bracelet certainly delivers that when the light shines off it. When you see it in the metal you will know what I mean.
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Old 19 July 2017, 03:02 AM   #4
AK797
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You've done your research and I think the RO suits you the most. Just exercise wrist awareness and you should be fine.
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Old 19 July 2017, 03:15 AM   #5
tyler1980
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RO for sure. I have a silver dial so that one is obviously my favorite 15400 dial. Its probably the most "dressy" dial color though. so you could make it a bit more laid back with any of the other dials if you want it to wear a bit more casual. The RO bracelet is amazing, probably the best bracelet of any watch i have ever worn and I'm super picky with bracelets as most of my collection is on straps.

I wear my diver more often than my 15400 but its probably too casual to "wear to the office" every day in your situation

I would absolutely not get a DJ. They are fine watches but if i could only choose one it would be one of the other AP's. If you were getting 3 watches then those are 3 great choices if that makes sense.

Have your tried on the diver? If not your opinion about rubber will probably change when you are wearing it. I have thought about getting a bracelet for mine many times and still might. I would have done it by now though if the strap was a "con". Even if i had a bracelet I would have it to switch things up from time to time and i would still think the strap probably looks the best.
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Old 19 July 2017, 03:36 AM   #6
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Ap ro 15400
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Old 19 July 2017, 03:38 AM   #7
texex91
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You lost me after Hello. But quick glance would say 15400.

Good luck on your venture and let us know what you end up with.
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Old 19 July 2017, 04:05 AM   #8
lapince
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It seems you prefer the RO, so go for your favorite, I would go for the diver probably, but would have many picks before the diver
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Old 19 July 2017, 04:09 AM   #9
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I think you'll be happy with the 15400. Try to get a blue dial if possible.
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Old 19 July 2017, 05:49 AM   #10
Skyrider01
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I just got the same Datejust you are looking at last week. It's a gorgeous watch and I am loving it! However, I got it to wear more as a dressy piece.

If you are looking for a daily wearer, I think the Royal Oak is more suitable.
The DJ is definitely more blingy and shiny. Given your age and the fact that you say you mostly dress on the casual side, I would go with the RO.

Some pics of my DJ:
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_2547.jpg (103.7 KB, 519 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_2557.jpg (101.8 KB, 519 views)
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Old 19 July 2017, 06:49 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by texex91 View Post
You lost me after Hello. But quick glance would say 15400.

Good luck on your venture and let us know what you end up with.
Come on man for most of us this is a serious purchase we don't all have a Richard Mille for every day of the week
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Old 19 July 2017, 07:15 AM   #12
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Hey everyone, thanks for all the input thus far. I'm thinking the 15400 (in black or white most likely) is my best bet. To "hugs", I tried the RO on in person at the Vegas boutique around New Years and immediately was blown away with it. You're right, it's amazing and I love how the light plays off the bracelet. I think my unsurety mostly stems from there being so many options and too much time to second guess.

Tyler1980- to answer your question, I did not try the diver in person while I was at the boutique. Wish that I had, but it wasn't on my radar at the time. You're likely right about the rubber strap. Everyone here seems to love their divers and I've never heard a bad remark on the rubber. I'll test it in person next time and will probably be back in this same conundrum if it sways me around

Skyrider01- Congrats on the new purchase! You're right, it is a beauty. Never thought I'd be a big fan of the DJ or a two-tone, but when I stumbled across it at the AD I was shocked at how much I liked it. Enjoy yours
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:31 AM   #13
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I'm on the same boat. Not an easy decision.

Yeah dj41 is not for daily wear. I have the 126333. It does get attention, especially because its one of the most recognizable Rolex.

You're right on the Diver. You'll reconsider your options once you try it on. It has a strong wrist presence and very comfy.

Can't go wrong with either one. Good luck!
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:33 AM   #14
texex91
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Come on man for most of us this is a serious purchase we don't all have a Richard Mille for every day of the week
Oh I know it's a serious purchase for all of us. I just have a VERY short attention span, so long threads I just scan.

I gave my opinion and it stands 15400
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:36 AM   #15
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1) AP Royal Oak 15400/15450 (probably white dial)

15400 - 41mm
15202 - 39mm
15450 - 37mm

Im a little confused why you jump from 41mm to 37mm. Kind of a big difference and not something between like a 15202.
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:41 AM   #16
Skyrider01
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Originally Posted by Suttree View Post

Skyrider01- Congrats on the new purchase! You're right, it is a beauty. Never thought I'd be a big fan of the DJ or a two-tone, but when I stumbled across it at the AD I was shocked at how much I liked it. Enjoy yours
Thanks!
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:48 AM   #17
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Im a little confused why you jump from 41mm to 37mm. Kind of a big difference and not something between like a 15202.
I don't mean to totally dismiss the 15202. It's a great piece and closest to the original Royal Oak. The 15400 and 15450 are just basically the same price and in in line with the other options I mentioned. The 15202 would require a little more saving on on my part as they're harder to come by and much less likely to get a discount on. Would need to check out the boutique blue in person as well. If it comes down to finding the perfect fit and the 15202 hits that sweet spot, I might have to go with that.
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:48 AM   #18
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I like the 15400 with white dial but love the retired 15300 with white dial much more. It has perfect proportions and the white dial is so nice on it. Also it would make for a perfect daily wearer. I just think 39mm RO's are perfect in every way. Good luck with your decision!
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Old 19 July 2017, 08:56 AM   #19
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Oh I know it's a serious purchase for all of us. I just have a VERY short attention span, so long threads I just scan.

I gave my opinion and it stands 15400
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Old 19 July 2017, 09:15 AM   #20
Suttree
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. Im a little confused why you jump from 41mm to 37mm. Kind of a big difference and not something between like a 15202.
I don't mean to dismiss the 15202 out of hand. It's a great piece and closest to the original RO. The 15400 and 15450 are really close to each other in price and with the other options I listed. The 15202 would require a little more saving on my part since it's harder to come by and much less likely to get a discount on. It also comes solely with the blue dial which I'd need to make a point to see in person as well. But, if it turns out to be the perfect fit between the 37 and 41mm, I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
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Old 19 July 2017, 09:21 AM   #21
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I wanted to make the diver my daily but in the end found it just a bit big for the task, much better as a weekend watch

The 15400 is great but found it a bit too flashy and delicate to be a daily IMO

Ultimately ended up with a BLNR and love it for day to day wear

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Old 19 July 2017, 09:42 AM   #22
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One watch is never enough.
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Old 19 July 2017, 09:56 AM   #23
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I like the 15400 with white dial but love the retired 15300 with white dial much more. It has perfect proportions and the white dial is so nice on it. Also it would make for a perfect daily wearer. I just think 39mm RO's are perfect in every way. Good luck with your decision!
10000% agree. It still baffles me why the 15300 was bumped in favor of a 41mm 15400 :(
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Old 20 July 2017, 01:17 AM   #24
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10000% agree. It still baffles me why the 15300 was bumped in favor of a 41mm 15400 :(
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Old 20 July 2017, 01:25 AM   #25
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I would rule out the Rolex. Have to admit Im biased as I sold of most of my Rolexes and gone 100% (owned most models in the six digit range from explorer to daydate).
I have a 15400 and two divers (one in steel and one ceramic). I love my 15400 but for you I think I would propose the diver. It's such a cool watch for a young man. I know people will disagree but you can wear it with a suit and it wont look goofy.
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Old 20 July 2017, 02:12 AM   #26
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Of the three listed, the RO would be the best daily. The DJ would be far too flashy, especially since you are fairly casual most days.
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Old 20 July 2017, 02:19 AM   #27
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I would rule out the Rolex. Have to admit Im biased as I sold of most of my Rolexes and gone 100% (owned most models in the six digit range from explorer to daydate).
I have a 15400 and two divers (one in steel and one ceramic). I love my 15400 but for you I think I would propose the diver. It's such a cool watch for a young man. I know people will disagree but you can wear it with a suit and it wont look goofy.
+1. I wore my 44mm ceramic with a suit and gym clothes.
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Old 20 July 2017, 02:39 AM   #28
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Post this on the Rolex side and see what answers you get.

My 2 cents. Get the DJ. My first watch at 26 was a DJ36 RG/SS. Wore it daily, felt weird wearing it with shorts and a t-shirt but you get over it. I love though and would only sell it for a DayDate.

The AP is just as blingy as the brushed/polished bracelet reflects light in all conditions. It looks especially nice in low light. You will feel bad about any mark on your AP but will get over marks on your Rolex.

5167 would be perfect. You get the brushed/polished combo as well as a rubber strap you don't have to worry about hitting on your desk.
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Old 20 July 2017, 06:23 AM   #29
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WatchingAustin- The 5167a is an interesting proposition as well. It seems like it could check all my boxes. I'll have to make it a point to see that one in person too.
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Old 20 July 2017, 07:47 AM   #30
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WatchingAustin- The 5167a is an interesting proposition as well. It seems like it could check all my boxes. I'll have to make it a point to see that one in person too.
I think it will be perfect. With the 15202 I am cautious to let anything touch my wrist from any angle, flying in planes is a nightmare. The rubber strap mitigates my anxiety in this area. Also only like minded people will recognize the Aquanaut, while most people know the name Rolex and associate it with luxury and $$$$

All in all I think the 5167 is especially fitting for a younger person.
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