116655 versus Royal Oak Offshore Elephant

[smg8]

I am after some help and opinions as I am truly in 2 minds.

I currently have a GMT Master II (116710 LN) and am looking to add a second watch to rotate with. Ideally I'd like something I can wear on weekends that is "different" to the GMT Master, i.e. not another stainless steel watch. However, I'd also like to be able to wear it during the week with a suit whenever I fancy.

Having started to explore the Royal Oak Offshore range I felt pretty set on a Royal Oak Offshore Elephant, however for about the same money or less I can buy a 116655. For the purpose of the debate let's assume both pre owned, same price give or take.

On one hand I really want an AP (used to own a 15300 and loved owning an AP). On the other hand something precious metal would feel really special, and I think the 116655 is so versatile due to the combination of rubber and RG.

What would you go for wise forum?

[AK797]

Very close but as you have a Rolex I'd go for the AP, or maybe a PM AP which is probably your ultimate.

[smg8]

Originally Posted by AK797

Very close but as you have a Rolex I'd go for the AP, or maybe a PM AP which is probably your ultimate.

It is after seeing yours in the other thread

Love the ROC in RG on leather. Absolutely beautiful and definitely the grail watch for me!

[DuncanInLeeds]

IMO the AP is bloody awful and the YM isn't much better.

Oyster flex bracelets really don't suit YG or RG watches - SS or white gold definitely yes. But that's just me. Or is it?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by smg8

It is after seeing yours in the other thread

I bought mine used and for a great price so I pulled the trigger much earlier on a PM piece than anticipated, imagine there are still some good deals out there now on a PM RO or ROC.

[smg8]

Originally Posted by DuncanInLeeds

IMO the AP is bloody awful and the YM isn't much better.

Oyster flex bracelets really don't suit YG or RG watches - SS or white gold definitely yes. But that's just me. Or is it?

I should have added a neither option haha :-)

No, I appreciate both watches have their detractors. I really like them both, but the world would be bloody boring if we all felt the same! Totally get they are to some people controversial options

[Jack Cassidy]

I did own an ROO Black Themes very similar to the Elephant and currently owns the 116655. To me the YM is both more beautiful and more versatile. The AP's raw look is great for the weekend and sporty casual looks, but doesn't go well with a business suit IMO - I struggled with getting it under a shirt sleeve and found it too much steel flashy with a suit.

[HL65]

Here is what I think: If you truly wanted the AP you would have posted in the AP Forum but since you posted here in Rolex section you already know. So here go Rolex and if there go AP.

[Bruins7]

Rolex all day baby

[GB-man]

I'd have the YM, but I have another AP

[Lordofrolex]

I agree a PM AP would be nice also

[HK Islandboy]

Between those two, I think the ROO has much more wrist presence.

[904VT]

Two great watches for sure. I'd be slightly hesitant about the ROO with a suit if you have any desire to wear under your cuff (and don't wear french cuff shirts).

I'd consider a pre-owned 116618lb as well. Same price range and tons of presence if that is a priority. Great weekend watch that can also be worn with a suit. If that's too flashy for you, consider a Smurf. That's the way I would go for sure a PM Sub

[ckaynyc]

Roo

[Ruud Van Driver]

I’m a YM fan but wouldn’t choose that one. I wouldn’t go with either of those and would look at a PAM684 instead.

[Chadridv]

Tough call, I've owned both (currently own the 116655).

For a weekend watch, either would be suitable but I found the AP to be temperamental. Had to send it back to APSC several times in the first few months of ownership. I've never had issues like that with Rolex.

I got my 116655 from Takuya and he also has an AP elephant. I strongly considered it again, but despite the Rolex being a precious metal, I just find it to be a more rugged watch, which means I will wear it more and enjoy it more.

The AP also wears pretty big. I found it to wear more like 44mm than a 42mm. Not sure if that matters to you or not but it's something to consider.

[Dr.Smellody]

What forum is this?

[Gerardus]

Huge Rolex fan here, but not a big fan off this Rolex reference.
So voted for the AP (in this case!)

[smg8]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Tough call, I've owned both (currently own the 116655).

For a weekend watch, either would be suitable but I found the AP to be temperamental. Had to send it back to APSC several times in the first few months of ownership. I've never had issues like that with Rolex.

I got my 116655 from Takuya and he also has an AP elephant. I strongly considered it again, but despite the Rolex being a precious metal, I just find it to be a more rugged watch, which means I will wear it more and enjoy it more.

The AP also wears pretty big. I found it to wear more like 44mm than a 42mm. Not sure if that matters to you or not but it's something to consider.

Thanks, great insight from someone who has owned both!

[smg8]

Originally Posted by HL65

Here is what I think: If you truly wanted the AP you would have posted in the AP Forum but since you posted here in Rolex section you already know. So here go Rolex and if there go AP.

haha wondered if someone would say this. It was more a case that I've already been cluttering the AP Forums asking about different size ROO's

Also I was keen to see what love the AP would get on the Rolex forum. I guess the voting is about where I thought it would be!

[Star Ferry]

For an occasional wearer, I think the Elephant is the better looking watch

But if the new watch will be in frequent rotation with your 116710LN, get the 116655. The black ceramic bezel will handle regular wear better than the AP steel bezel

[MaverickMP]

personally I think the AP is a nicer looking watch, as long as you dont mind the larger size

[watchwatcher]

I voted for the YM...it's a fantastic watch. But, it really comes down to what you're looking for in a watch.

If diversity is your thing, then the AP all day. Even though the YM is on the OF and RG, it's still going to feel like a Rolex. Also, if looking at function, you've got a chronograph vs. the diver's timing bezel...so there you have it.

[novocainekarma]

AP. Nice contrast to the BLNR. Cuffs don't matter if it's a weekend watch and it's visually very different. Pm aside, black dial, dark bezel, samey samey.
I've had the 116655. I still have AP to balance out a Rolex heavy collection.

[samson66]

That Yachtmaster is a real beauty. Not sure it's worth the cost, but damn it sure looks good

[Cutlass]

go with elephant and put steel bracelet on, you'll get winner for a while ..

[behardt]

Originally Posted by Jack Cassidy

I did own an ROO Black Themes very similar to the Elephant and currently owns the 116655. To me the YM is both more beautiful and more versatile. The AP's raw look is great for the weekend and sporty casual looks, but doesn't go well with a business suit IMO - I struggled with getting it under a shirt sleeve and found it too much steel flashy with a suit.

Agreed with all the above. I would add that the comfort and durability sold me on the 116655. Interesting enough, I can wear it with shorts, sandals and a tee shirt or a tux (I know, no watch with a tux, and a rubber "bracelet" - sheesh...). I had a ROO and it was just too big and clunky for me.

[Vaxe]

Both great, but I prefer the ROO. I also find AP's rubber more comfortable than Oysterflex, so you could always swap out the leather (the elephant would look great on a grey rubber).

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Tough call, I've owned both (currently own the 116655).

For a weekend watch, either would be suitable but I found the AP to be temperamental. Had to send it back to APSC several times in the first few months of ownership. I've never had issues like that with Rolex.

I got my 116655 from Takuya and he also has an AP elephant. I strongly considered it again, but despite the Rolex being a precious metal, I just find it to be a more rugged watch, which means I will wear it more and enjoy it more.

The AP also wears pretty big. I found it to wear more like 44mm than a 42mm. Not sure if that matters to you or not but it's something to consider.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

Both great, but I prefer the ROO. I also find AP's rubber more comfortable than Oysterflex, so you could always swap out the leather (the elephant would look great on a grey rubber).

Hard to make that blanketed statement. I find the 40mm Rolex case across all models to be much more comfortable than any 42mm AP regardless of the strap.

That said, I agree that the AP Rubber strap on the ROO (especially the diver strap) is incredibly comfortable, especially compared to the leather. When I had my ROO I switched out the leather for rubber within the first couple weeks. Definitely the way to go if you get the Elephant.

[Vaxe]

Wow looks great! I'm tempted now...

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Hard to make that blanketed statement. I find the 40mm Rolex case across all models to be much more comfortable than any 42mm AP regardless of the strap.

That said, I agree that the AP Rubber strap on the ROO (especially the diver strap) is incredibly comfortable, especially compared to the leather. When I had my ROO I switched out the leather for rubber within the first couple weeks. Definitely the way to go if you get the Elephant.