Royal Oak or Patek Aquanaut?

[DVR]

AP all the way for me, not even close.

Even the designer of the watch said it was his masterpiece, the best design he ever made.

https://www.timeandwatches.com/p/his...royal-oak.html

Imo AP reached the pinnacle with the 15500/15510, the proportion bezel/dial are so spot on, wearing the watch is an absolute pleasure and contrary to someone else here I found the perfect fit with the 1.5 link.

[mongrelnomoad]

If 16202 then AP. Otherwise Aquanaut.

[ButtButt]

Personal choice, I find the Aquanaut quite ugly so I'd go with the AP.

[srvrf]

Originally Posted by 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.

I have two ROCs and two Aquanauts. Based on the last two factors the 5167 would be the clear winner. An Aquanaut is both very comfortable to wear and very legible. The RO is visually more interesting to me. But in the end, you’ll probably want both.


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[SoylentGreenChi]

I am rotating this combination - 5167A and a Royal Oak - this summer. Given what you have, my guess is that Royal Oak fits your collecting profile better than the 5167A. As others have said, it’s iconic for a reason and the bracelet is incomparable.

This choice is a rare instance where I think the real answer is “both” since these watches are quite different and complementary. I would not part with either of them - they are the two “sport” watches in my collection, and I consider them the perfect duo.

[Coffes4closers]

Royal oak unquestionably. The brushing/bracelet is just spectacular. The aqua is certainly badass, but I find it underwhelming in steel, especially with the 5167 dial. The RO is just so much more special in my experience. I also find the RO bracelet to fit me the best of any watch, rolex/vc/pp etc… despite weather related swelling, oddly it always seems to fit perfectly, despite no micro adjust.

[DVR]

Originally Posted by ButtButt

Personal choice, I find the Aquanaut quite ugly so I'd go with the AP.

Hmm, I wouldn't call it ugly.
But it could be better, the bezel is not what it could be, the dial is mediocre. But a good designer could get it just right in future updates.

Originally Posted by Coffes4closers

I also find the RO bracelet to fit me the best of any watch, rolex/vc/pp etc… despite weather related swelling, oddly it always seems to fit perfectly, despite no micro adjust.

Same for me. Winter, summer, whatever, always fits perfectly. Although I must admit the boutique and me spent a lot of time finding that perfect fit. Including adding the 1.5 link.

[workhard]

RO way better. If u want something stealthier u can go with IWC, Zenith, Chopard etc.

[Easy E]

I have recently added a 15510 and find it magnificent. My wrist is just under 7.5”, so very close to19cm. I have a perfect fit with a 1.5 link - it is an individual must try for fit. It may very well be my favorite watch, although that’s a difficult call. I know I will be considered for expulsion for this thought, but I simply cannot fathom paying PP prices for a watch on a $2 rubber strap. That just has never computed with me. Plus I find that reference to be quite bland.

[Frits1980]

I have both. The Aquanaut is a cool fun watch at retail. Its reserved and on rubber nobody will notice it. But anything above 25K is not worth it imo. The RO is a step up but you realy need the wrist for it and its a lot louder/blingier

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

I have both. The Aquanaut is a cool fun watch at retail. Its reserved and on rubber nobody will notice it. But anything above 25K is not worth it imo. The RO is a step up but you realy need the wrist for it and its a lot louder/blingier

100% this.

[cotway]

Go with the 5164 and change out straps. You can also go for the 5167 get it on a metal bracelet then get different color straps for it. I change mine out throughout the year.


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[DonLee]

RO is much more of a statement
Aquanaut is a watch I'd wear a lot more often.

[zen123]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

I have both. The Aquanaut is a cool fun watch at retail. Its reserved and on rubber nobody will notice it. But anything above 25K is not worth it imo. The RO is a step up but you realy need the wrist for it and its a lot louder/blingier

Agree, the Aquanaut at retail or even a little over retail is fine. At over £40K on the secondary market here in the UK is a piss take. The RO seems better value as just the bracelet makes the rubber of the Aquanaut look cheap, which it ultimately is.

I have the ref 5165a Aquanaut that I bought over 10 years ago that I wear as daily and it fills that role with aplomb. I also have an AP ROC ref 26315st and only wear it occasionally due to the reasons you state.

Neither watch is worth it at what they’re trading for aftermarket but then they should hold on to their value so you’ll be ok there. So if it were me, it depends on the usage scenario of the watch as to which one I would choose.


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[10XRolex]

For me, I would do both.

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[geoach]

PP for me

[mario1971]

I've made up my mind - I'm going to hunt Aquanaut. Once I get it, I'll post it here immediately.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I've made up my mind - I'm going to hunt Aquanaut. Once I get it, I'll post it here immediately.

Wise choice!

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I've made up my mind - I'm going to hunt Aquanaut. Once I get it, I'll post it here immediately.

Ah yes, many get PP Aqua to wear and flip. Just be careful as pricing is sliding down, though assume you've sourced one from an AD.

[usmc_k9_vet]

They book look great and I’ll preface this by saying they’re both currently a bit out of my league. A lot has been said about the RO bracelet, case, and bezel finishing (and rightfully so). How about the two when you compare movement finishing? What is PP doing that AP is not on these two models? I don’t think AP finishes that specific movement that spectacularly. Is PP Aquanaut a step up in that regard?


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[mario1971]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Ah yes, many get PP Aqua to wear and flip. Just be careful as pricing is sliding down, though assume you've sourced one from an AD.

I don't have much to count on buying directly from AD. I will look for it second hand. Hopefully the prices will come down a bit more.

[zen123]

I have both. The RO is a much more handsome watch, case and bracelet finishing is exemplary, definitely a cut above the Aquanaut. Only problem for my usage requirements is that because of what I have highlighted about the RO, it feels more fragile and thus you have to baby it a bit more.

If I had to choose only one of them it would have to be the Aquanaut, but only because I’m more of a t-shirt and sneakers guy and I reckon the Aquanaut suit’s better.


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[geoach]

The PP case is very complex if you do some digging. Most don't know the case is only two parts the middle, the bezel is part of the middle case and then the case back.

[Gent675]

Aquanaut is my favorite model line, but I might pick RO in this specific head to head.

[Chute]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I've made up my mind - I'm going to hunt Aquanaut. Once I get it, I'll post it here immediately.

Good decision. About 6 years ago I was on the fence of a 15400 or 5167 and ultimately went with the APRO 15400 in black. I convinced myself I could just add a black rubber strap and get the aquanaut look. I fell for the design and the beauty of the Royal Oak bracelet. I’ve since had to send the Royal oak to AP three times for service for poor timekeeping. And when it comes back again, I am parting ways with it. The experience I’ve had at AP boutiques just really put me off the brand. I’m now pro Patek even though they are hard to acquire.
If you do have to buy the 5167 on the open market, at least try a 5164 first.
The price difference isn’t that much and many on here love the 5164.
To me the 5167 is the most comfortable watch I’ve ever tried on and I own a 116500 panda which I’d say is the second most comfortable watch I’ve worn

[ThirtyOne]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I've made up my mind - I'm going to hunt Aquanaut. Once I get it, I'll post it here immediately.

How’d it turn out?

[mario1971]

Originally Posted by ThirtyOne

How’d it turn out?

I ordered it from AD Patek and I'm patiently waiting...

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by MONTANTK

Me personally I’d go for the RO. I’ve never been a fan of the Aquanaut.

Ditto!

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by mario1971

I ordered it from AD Patek and I'm patiently waiting...

Were you given any timeframe?

[mario1971]

Originally Posted by Calatrava r

Were you given any timeframe?

Range of two to three years.