ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
21 August 2019, 02:46 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: US
Posts: 308
|
Any recommendation on a high end sports watch?
Hi guys, I've been a Rolex guy for around 7-8 years and just like everyone here we all know why we have a strong loyalty to this brand - brand heritage, design, a perfect size and the best tool watch.. you name it.
But, recently I am seriously considering to take my first step into the world of high end horology. But, it has not been an easy journey for me as I am struggling to decide a sports watch that will be the perfect addition to my rolex collection. 30K is my maximum budget, which gives me options such as AP15400, 15500, 26331 or VC OS4500v.. etc. I think the PP Aquanaut would a great example of the watch I was looking for, but unfortunately it’s over my budget. Do you guys have any recommendation on any high end sports watch that will bring a great smile to the face of Rolex guy here? |
21 August 2019, 03:05 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Naples, FL
Watch: 5513, 116610LN
Posts: 305
|
Vacheron Overseas or AP Royal Oak would be good options. Depends on dial color as to how long your wait time will be at retail for the AP. Imo, the new overseas is a stunning sports watch that is often overlooked.
__________________
Watches: Rolex: 116610LN; 5513; 18238; 214270; 16613| JLC: 3161. |
21 August 2019, 03:07 AM | #3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Real Name: Mike
Location: Usa
Watch: All
Posts: 1,411
|
Out of that list I'd go 26331. It's the cats pajamas, but I"m biased
|
21 August 2019, 03:08 AM | #4 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2019
Location: 215
Posts: 470
|
30k is kinda tough to get you into the ultra highend. try the entry PP
|
21 August 2019, 03:14 AM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Watch: I AM BATMAN
Posts: 279
|
AP hands down.
FYI- SS pieces are an allocation basis for their ADs. So an AD might have already pre-sold their allotment for the year. I have a friend looking for the 41 chrono, and my dealer could only promise him a watch in 2020. He called 3 others and got the same reaction, and a fourth said they might be able to get him one by the end of the year, but were uncertain of the delivery date. That dealer is 9 time zones ahead of my location (not going to spill the beans, as they said it was the last allocation they had for the year). The madness with the insatiable demand for stainless Rolex watches has spilled over into AP. AP has to love this. They didn’t have to work hard... Rolex did all the work for them. - Sent via iPhone. Please excuse any typos or brevity in my message
__________________
126655 🌹 | 126710BLRO | 116710BLNR | 116610 | 114060 | 16610 | 126234BL | 116264BLSJ | 126000-0006 AP RO 26120 | Patek 5396g |Patek 5296g | H. Moser 1321-0211 | SUF 180 SALMIAKKI Tudor BB58 Blue | Tudor 7600 | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe | Omega AT GP ...it just gets more random and obscure from there... |
21 August 2019, 03:15 AM | #6 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Fred
Location: Zurich
Posts: 2,697
|
Quote:
The Rolex is in that price range purely based on its more expensive metal and iconic design, but can contend neither in terms of case finish, nor when it comes to movement execution. But of course, if it’s the style you want, there really is no substitute for it, and that’s a fair choice to make. I personally am mostly a substance over style person and chose the VC for its fantastic movement, though I must confess, the “in the know” edge of the VC in a the sea of mostly clueless royal oak wearers I have around me in my professional field also makes up part of the appeal for me. Hope this helps, really not much of a bad choice you can make here, especially between the VC and the 15500.
__________________
Greetings from Switzerland Remember, the dignity you surrender at your AD‘s doorstep will never be recovered by wearing the watch he may get you. |
|
21 August 2019, 03:15 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: US, SG, DK, GR
Watch: Reverso
Posts: 3,071
|
I second that. Although current iterations of both VC overseas and AP RO wear a bit large.
|
21 August 2019, 03:18 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Smiths Falls
Posts: 336
|
VC Overseas is an amazing piece!
|
21 August 2019, 03:25 AM | #9 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Canada
Posts: 215
|
Quote:
Sent from my LM-Q710.FGN using Tapatalk |
|
21 August 2019, 03:35 AM | #10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Real Name: Steven
Location: Glocal
Posts: 19,572
|
For ACTUAL sports use (read: not sporty for the clubhouse and bunny trails) imho one of the APs. The Patek Aqua is for the clubhouse, Rolex and others are for actual sport use. When you're ready for a craft-watch with the best finishing / craftsmanship, then get a FPJ :)
__________________
__________________ “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'” -- Hunter S. Thompson Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory. |
21 August 2019, 05:12 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Boston
Watch: 16610LV
Posts: 1,050
|
RO definitely. I tried on the VC overseas and 15500. They are worlds apart. Had to go with the 15500.
|
21 August 2019, 05:50 AM | #12 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,278
|
Outside of these noble contenders I'd search out an Urban Jurgensen One for a stylish haute sports watch.
|
21 August 2019, 06:19 AM | #13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Real Name: Vetracer
Location: London
Watch: Daytona 116500LN
Posts: 583
|
What about an FP Journe Octa Sport in Titanium? They’re interesting and unique.
https://www.chrono24.com/uk/fpjourne...GB&SETCURR=GBP |
21 August 2019, 08:47 AM | #15 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Watch: addiction issues
Posts: 36,887
|
I’d go 15500 or wait it out and see if the 5167 drops back towards 30k which is not out of the question.
__________________
|
21 August 2019, 09:26 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 4,341
|
I wouldn't consider any of Patek's Nautilus or Aquanaut watches as a true sports watch. They are a bit sporty, but not as durable as a Rolex sports watch.
|
21 August 2019, 09:31 AM | #17 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Montana
Posts: 3,223
|
Quote:
I'd also argue the same holds true for any proper "high horology" sports watches (of which there are very, very few out there in my opinion -- my threshold for "high horology" is high). |
|
21 August 2019, 11:35 AM | #18 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Real Name: Michael
Location: Dotonbori
Watch: Mostly blue dials
Posts: 7,655
|
For 30k, I highly recommend the 5711/1-010. It is iconic, has a lovely gradient blue, new hacking movement, is very light and comfortable on the wrist, and the nautilus bracelet oozes class.
|
21 August 2019, 11:37 AM | #19 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: United States
Watch: Rolex and Patek
Posts: 10,644
|
I would look at the Blancpan 50 Fathoms.
|
21 August 2019, 11:44 AM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Chris
Location: USA
Watch: Tag Heuer 2000
Posts: 490
|
You can get a 5167 sub $30K.
|
21 August 2019, 11:49 AM | #21 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: SoCal
Watch: I AM BATMAN
Posts: 279
|
Quote:
__________________
126655 🌹 | 126710BLRO | 116710BLNR | 116610 | 114060 | 16610 | 126234BL | 116264BLSJ | 126000-0006 AP RO 26120 | Patek 5396g |Patek 5296g | H. Moser 1321-0211 | SUF 180 SALMIAKKI Tudor BB58 Blue | Tudor 7600 | Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe | Omega AT GP ...it just gets more random and obscure from there... |
|
21 August 2019, 06:15 PM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Fred
Location: Zurich
Posts: 2,697
|
How so? Asking because I had the exact opposite experience. 15500, while obviously a more iconic design, didn’t feel up to the level of quality of the VC to me, especially when looking at the movements with a loupe. AP seemed much more of a machine made product, if that makes any sense, with those big sharp anglage surfaces that can’t possibly be hand applied. The VC seemed more lovingly hand made and much more refined in this respect. Of course that applies to the movement first and foremost, no arguing over the case, the AP’s case is a thing of beauty. But the VC’s case is no less well finished...
__________________
Greetings from Switzerland Remember, the dignity you surrender at your AD‘s doorstep will never be recovered by wearing the watch he may get you. |
21 August 2019, 07:11 PM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Perth, Western Au
Posts: 53
|
Personally I've been oscillating between the new overseas and the Royal Oak. Like a few above, I must say that the vc has won me over. Especially with that blue dial.
|
21 August 2019, 08:22 PM | #24 | |
Banned
Join Date: May 2018
Real Name: Jonathan
Location: USA
Watch: P-01
Posts: 11,772
|
Quote:
I will recommend not getting sucked in to the hype. Don’t buy it because prices are going up and don’t buy a current production watch for over MSRp. It’s just a watch. Go Try on a watch. If 30k was my price point. I’d get a AP ROO 44 mm they are maybe 32k. The new 42mm with the 44mm pusher is sub 30k. That’s really nice. I find the ROO’s are much more fun than the RO. The average run of the mill RO feels too industrial for me... |
|
21 August 2019, 11:52 PM | #25 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Mike
Location: CT
Posts: 8,974
|
I like the breguet marine on rubber
|
26 August 2019, 11:37 AM | #26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Real Name: Jace
Location: Boca Raton
Watch: Platinum DD 40
Posts: 329
|
I can’t argue with either the AP 15 500 or VC overseas. I don’t like the Nautilis and I never have. They’ve been around for a really long time and I didn’t like them when they were 20% under retail. I have owned several royal oaks and the bad side of them is that the finish is so incredibly precise and the angles are so sharp that the watch doesn’t age very well. On a Rolex it always seems that marks make it look more rugged, on an AP it will drive you insane. Some people don’t care about this. I really do.
The VC overseas has a fine finish as well but without the extremely sharp angles as seen in the Royal Oak. The other advantage is that you can take the bracelet off and put on a rubber strap or an alligator strap so easily. This not only changes the character of the watch but it also protects the bracelet from damage. There is no question that if you purchase the Royal Oak at the present at retail you’re getting a better deal because you can turn around and sell it for more five minutes later. The Royal Oak actually has much more character than the VC. Meaning, it has a much more unique and industrial design. At a glance the VC you can look like and IWC Ingeneur or a Rolex date just. But the level of finish on the VC is absolutely magnificent and there are so many modernized improvements. By the way, I’m wearing A VC overseas as we speak. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk |
29 August 2019, 12:32 AM | #27 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Juan Luis
Location: Dominican Rep.
Watch: Undecided
Posts: 1,327
|
My next sports model will definitely be an VC overseas. I really love it over the OP and Patek. That it is less pricey, is icing on the cake for me.
|
29 August 2019, 12:52 AM | #28 |
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Colombo,SriLanka
Watch: TIMEX
Posts: 2,251
|
I also like the Marine Royale / Alarm Breguet with Rubber and Gold Strap here is mine..
IMG_2085.JPG IMG_2086.JPG IMG_2087.JPG |
29 August 2019, 01:04 AM | #29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: James Cline
Location: san antonio
Watch: 5711 white , 5990,
Posts: 1,218
|
The VC is a great piece but you will lose money on resale. I am very happy w my AP 15400. Get many compliments on it. Love the 41 mm , the bracelet is very comfortable and a work of art. I have the white dial- the waffle finish is phenomenal. I would get either 15400 or 15500. Wish you the best . james in San Antonio Tx
|
29 August 2019, 01:05 AM | #30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Real Name: James Cline
Location: san antonio
Watch: 5711 white , 5990,
Posts: 1,218
|
Here she is
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.