Better overall value (Daytona Oysterflex vs AP RO)

[acaixguard]

Assuming you have the opportunity to purchase a PM Oysterflex Daytona or the AP Royal Oak 15500ST (not blue) at MSRP, which one would likely be the better overall value long term? Not strictly in terms of current market value, but likelihood of long term enjoyment and value?

It almost is an apples to oranges comparison, but for the price of the Daytona Oysterflex, one would have money left over to get the RO at MSRP, plus another stainless piece. So for those who do have a PM Daytona, is there some intangible qualities about it that make you lose some interest in other desirable pieces out there?

[Escobardee]

I have a everose Daytona .... but I am definitely getting a Rolex oysterflex Daytona next .. I have a Ap aswell .... both are a great watch .But if I was you definitely the Oysterflex ... thiers no feeling ever lost ..just something about the Daytona for me personally.

[rolexfanforlife]

AP is another level, and at MSRP is a no brainer. So that’s my vote

[Spoonage]

NO experience with those particular models other than trying them on at an AD, I would say that the Daytona would be a better daily only for the fact that most people feel the movement is more robust, cost of service and length of time away during service is far greater for the AP from my understanding. If you are a person that is afraid of scratches the Daytona I think wins again seeing its on an oysterflex and from what I've read (again no 1st hand experience) the bezel on the AP shows scratches. NOw which would be more enjoyable I would say the AP (I would love to add one to the collection) and I think its a great looking watch.

[VogelPhoenix]

At MSRP it would be the RO for me (gratuitous pic attached below). Difference could buy a Speedy Pro or similar as a daily/chrono.

[acaixguard]

Reviving this one as this comparison is still on my radar. I am trying to be considered for these pieces, but still having as hard a time as ever choosing which, if I had to narrow it down to just one for this year.

Here are my thoughts...

1. Royal Oak because I have loved the design since first seeing it on my uncle's wrist over 20 years ago. Definitely has history behind it, beautiful display caseback, and the overall finishing is on another level. But it is "just" a time and date only watch, which I have several of already. Royal Oak line is strong in value now, but will it continue to be so in the future? Servicing will also be very expensive. Finally, prone to scratches, though this isn't a huge consideration as I do not believe in babying my watches.

2. Daytona Oysterflex, because I don't have a chrono and the heft of a full PM case and clasp would really give a great feel. Oysterflex seems like it will be comfortable and durable for wearing in various climates. Cheaper to service than haute horology pieces. And of course, the Rolex name always gives it some value retention. Question is, will the Oysterflex be considered "classic" later on down the road, or would it negatively impact value compared to the full bracelet versions? Also, Rolex PM is doing well now, but will that continue for long?

[jlv982]

Royal Oak - the bracelet makes the watch!

[beshannon]

Value?

Neither one

[AK797]

AP SS v Rolex Gold is a fair comparison so go for which feels best on you.

[mips33]

The bracelet on the RO is a work of art. No brainer for me. I’m not a fan of the Oysterflex.


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[nyc10ken]

Since non-blue AP, I would take the OF Daytona assuming you get the dial you want. I am debating the same and have not worn either.

1) Building Rolex spend history with a PM piece is better than spend history with AP as there are more value pieces with Rolex.

2) OF is here to stay IMO as the trend is into a more WFH/casual work environment. Long term investment wise i dont think history has put much on an emphasis on the type of strap/bracelet, the watch head is what matters. But the strap may need replacing later if you choose to wear it.

3) Both have potential for MSRP price increases but the PM pieces tend to get a greater % of MSRP price increase. Value there is in the Rolex.

4) Service costs are cheaper with Rolex

5) Looks like you may have a greater set of options with the Rolex (all dials and metals) vs 3 dial colors for AP and SS. Dial matters and if what youre looking for is blue then you wont really be happy with the others, even though theyre nice as well.

[szabo_martin]

Two completely different watches in every way. Trying to compare the two directly is almost impossible. This is a case of having to choose what you like more. I'm not a Daytona fan but I love the OF on my YM42 along with the heft of the PM. Value wise SS seems to be the new PM but I personally like the look, weight, and feel of PM. My hesitation with AP is no dealer network in Canada. If my AD picked them up I would look at them, but I can't buy a watch at that level with the ONLY AD in the country being 3000 miles away. Did that with Lamborghini years ago and it made ownership a pain

[JSolution]

I was very keen to buy a 15000ST. Tried on every dial colour in one sitting, I was absolutely a dead cert on buying it from pictures alone in fact I was close to ordering one without even trying one on. Luckily I did because I was massively underwhelmed by it there’s no way I would buy one. It’s obviously a very popular watch just didn’t work for me.

I’ve had a couple of Daytona’s go through my hand also and it’s not the watch for me, however I would definitely go daytona on this one. Although I had one on OF and really didn’t like the oyster flex (maybe I’m hard to please).

[afmars]

RO for me.

[Benzsiam]

OF Daytona VS 15500ST at msrp, I would pick 15500ST.

SS Daytona VS 15500ST at msrp, I would get both.

I love both brands but I think Rolex is more reasonable price than AP.

[envuks]

Screw value. Which watch do you prefer? They are such different pieces in every way.

Both hold their value just fine. Fine enough


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[acaixguard]

Thanks for all the feedback. This is the problem...too many valid points for both sides here. And it doesn't help that I really like both of them. So I am looking for that other "X factor" that will push me towards one side, just in case I ultimately I have to choose only one.

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

Thanks for all the feedback. This is the problem...too many valid points for both sides here. And it doesn't help that I really like both of them. So I am looking for that other "X factor" that will push me towards one side, just in case I ultimately I have to choose only one.

Have you tried both on? what other watches do you regularly wear?

[MattyL147]

Value? No clue, but my choice would be the Daytona. If you wanted to compare the Daytona and a ROC, I think that's more of a comparison, but again, diff price points. Get whichever you like more. The basic RO does nothing for me.

[szabo_martin]

The AP has more X factor since its rarer and higher up the WIS ladder. The flip side of that is pricier servicing, longer wait times, less AD's. It will pop more on the wrist because of the way all the polished facets catch the light. Rolex will be more durable, a PM piece with a complication and more recognizable to non watch people. If you have other Rolex's why not add another brand, Its all part of the journey

[David5807]

The AP at MSRP would probably be my choice even though I prefer Rolex.

[acaixguard]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Have you tried both on? what other watches do you regularly wear?

I very quickly tried on the Rolex OF. Tried on various other Daytonas as well.
Also tried on the 15400 several times.

I currently wear the 2020 Sub Date, and the GMT CHNR TT. Have the ALS Saxonia Thin as my dress watch. Also wear an Oris Big Crown Propilot as my beater watch for work.

Here are pics of the RO 15400 and Daytona SS...closest I have to pics to the models I am asking about...

[nyc10ken]

Feel like if you cant decide then get the one that's offered first by an AD, likely as good as flipping a coin

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[Alfa2109]

You really cant go wrong with either. I'm no fan of the APs. I really find them homely, to be frank. So the Daytona is a slam dunk for me. But this is an art, not a science. Might the X factor be the diversity of your collection? Or how dressy/not dressy you want the piece to be in light of your usual dress? The Daytona is a dressier piece, it seems to me.

[macrowatch]

Value wise (meaning bag for buck not retail vs premium), of course Daytona wins. You get PM and both are Chrono.

For what it’s worth, I think 116519 is the best looking Daytona. Then Platona, then 116515 black dial, then white SS. And amazing, ROC gets more wrist time for me than any of the above even though I think the ‘value’ is less.

Versatility wise, RO can be on strap or bracelet. OF only on bracelet.

Ultimately, I think if you don’t feel an instant pull, that watch should be dropped from contention. If you feel it for both, save up and get both.

[ericl]

Interesting question. However, IMO, The better comparison is a 26331 (royal oak Chrono) vs the OF Daytona. Both are Chrono, both are about the same money. And both just as difficult to get relatively speaking.
My vote is for the AP. The bracelet makes the watch and it’s more unique (I’m talking real world vs. Instagram fame)
You can’t go wrong either way. Trying to crowdsource an opinion on a 30 k watch is dangerous because you’re the only one that needs to be happy. Go with what sings to you. Ask yourself - if I got a call from a dealer with both to sell me, which am I jumping at the chance to buy? There’s your answer.

[wgdaytona]

So, I'm clearly in the minority, but I just have no love for the Royal Oak. Sorry.

[Becweb]

My choice would be for the AP at MSRP

[rambo99]

it's rwo different watches in terms of style, one is sporty and the other one is a dress watch. definitely depends on your life style which one suits you.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by acaixguard

I very quickly tried on the Rolex OF. Tried on various other Daytonas as well.
Also tried on the 15400 several times.

I currently wear the 2020 Sub Date, and the GMT CHNR TT. Have the ALS Saxonia Thin as my dress watch. Also wear an Oris Big Crown Propilot as my beater watch for work.

Here are pics of the RO 15400 and Daytona SS...closest I have to pics to the models I am asking about...

Based on this pics, I'd say go Daytona. While I'd personally go 15500, white or maybe black dial, I think it simply looks too big on you. The Daytona looks great on you though.