Daytona or Royal Oak

[Maverick82]

At market price I would look at the AP Royal Oak Chronograph (26331st Panda), next level to a Daytona. Better finish, includes date complication and doesnt require to unscrew chronograph pushers.

[snarkq]

Daytona at MSRP.

Royal Oak at grey.

No question.

[macrowatch]

Also, don’t know what kind of circles you run in, but I remember leaving a high end hotel in the mountains recently and saw endless Rolexes, something to be said for not having a Rolex in those environments.

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by Maverick82

At market price I would look at the AP Royal Oak Chronograph (26331st Panda), next level to a Daytona. Better finish, includes date complication and doesnt require to unscrew chronograph pushers.

Maverick did you end up getting one?

[Maverick82]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

Maverick did you end up getting one?

I did in indeed. Holding it in next to a Rolex ( which I still love) the higher level of finishing and detail is indeed obvious. I also like the weight.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by Maverick82

I did in indeed. Holding it in next to a Rolex ( which I still love) the higher level of finishing and detail is indeed obvious. I also like the weight.

Congrats and great choice. I am a HUGE fan of the Daytona (own one and waiting on another from AD) ... but RO is another level.

[jay_kay]

I just traded my 116500LN white dial for an AP Royal Oak 15300 Blue Dial. Haven't regretted it one bit. The 15300 is sublime.

[Maverick82]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Congrats and great choice. I am a HUGE fan of the Daytona (own one and waiting on another from AD) ... but RO is another level.

I wouldn’t mind a panda like Daytona to match at some point but very happy with a roc as a first chrono and I would only buy the Daytona at retail.

[2nastie]

Tough choice. I ended up selling my 15400 about a year ago and got a white dial 116500.

Overall, I enjoy the 116500 more. Size wise, I just like the Daytona. My wrist is on the smaller end. I also wore the Daytona more through the 1+ year of ownership.

You can't really go wrong with either.

[Sg6067]

As others have said don’t buy a ss Daytona for over 20k at market price or you will regret the purchase later. With your wrist size it will also look small.
AP Royal Oak is stunning and really the clear choice in this price range. With your wrist size go with either the 15400 (arguably nicer dial) or 15500 (better fitting movement). If you have the patience for a short to moderate wait and a little luck you can likely source a 15500 (non blue dial) at retail. I own a 15450 and have a 6.25” wrist. I feel it fits perfectly for my wrist size and I love it. With a 7” wrist it will probably look too small on you. Try them on and let us know what you decide. Best of luck to you!