First "proper" watch - AP or Rolex?

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

I recommend looking into the cost and frequency of servicing the AP. You might be surprised how expensive AP and Patek watches can be over time. I’m down to two Pateks. They average about $1500 to $2000 per service with about 2-4 year intervals. Most of these trips back home have been around 9 months each. My experiences may not be typical.

I have 5 Rolex watches and the typical Rolex Service Center is around $500 and usually 7 to 8 year intervals. I usually get the watch back in a month. Again, my experiences may not be typical.

AP and Patek servicing is rather different. AP service is high quality, quick, AND not that expensive relative to the cost of the watch. If you've had bad AP service experiences, I'd say they most definitely are atypical.

https://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/se...rvices-prices/
That's approximately $950 for a movement service. Their Clearwater service center is much higher quality that any of the RSCs.

Also, RSC services haven't been $500 for a while when you start including new crowns and other wear items. You're correct that Rolex has very long life between services.

[derekhayden]

I would get the AP all day long if finances are there. You already have a watch that I would consider to be in the same "league" as the Sub anyway.

IMO I would fear the 116610LV would be limited in wear due to its color, and as you pointed out everyone has a black Sub.

[outtatime]

IMO there is nothing “improper” about an Omega Seamaster. I have several Rolexes, an AP and still wear my “old” Bond Seamaster regularly.

[dtwer]

If value retention is a consideration, I don't think AP can hold a candle to either of the subs.

As the price goes higher, the potential buyers grow fewer due to the sheer cost. You would have harder time selling the AP than you would the subs.

[Etschell]

the diver is extremely top heavy. it is horrid in my honest opinion unless you have a very large wrist. construction wise they are both durable and well made. the wrist presence is greater with the AP diver by far.

[logo]

Patek Philippe Aquanaut in rose gold is the answer here.

[Sublovin]

The sub date is absolutely NOT the worst if the ss models for value retention...check your homework on that. Nit that it should be a reason to buy or not...buy what you like

[FrontHeadlock]

Originally Posted by logo

Patek Philippe Aquanaut in rose gold is the answer here.

oooh that would be sweet

[ocwatching]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

Go Rolex first, way more durable and affordable to service. Add later to the collection.

THIS...the Sub will stand the test of time..
add the AP later...

[dkg1616]

My vote would definitely be black SubC date.

Grow the collection from there! That is what I did / am doing and am very happy with my decision

[101031-28]

Which one sings to you most? Of the three I would go with the Sub, black for more classic look, green for the 'pop' factor.

[Stig722]

Thanks for all the comments ! Definitely starting to think Rolex would be the better move right now. Black or Hulk though? That's a difficult question.

[subprimero]

Agree with others, go Sub Date first add AP RO later if desired and not necessarily the Offshore. The RO is at its best on the integrated bracelet. Bezel color on the Sub Date: black if an only watch green for a larger collection.

[HogwldFLTR]

If the AP is calling, get that and leave the Rolex for a true fan!!! Also, since when isn't the Omega a proper watch? Curious what the AP forum said. This is a Rolex forum; most are going to recommend Rolex, naturally. I'm personally not fond of the AP look at all.

[awol123]

AP is harder to pull off in a formal setting.

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by Stig722

Thanks for all the comments ! Defiantly starting to think Rolex would be the better move right now. Black or Hulk though? That's a difficult question.

Green on green isn’t that versatile. Easy choice for me as an only watch.

[007_Omega]

I just feel a Rolex is a great foundation piece for a collection. Whether you move onto to more expensive brands, there is always a place for a Rolex. Robust, reliable, classic, versatile, and retains value well.


I'm not a fan of the ROO at all but do you.

[Burlington]

Perhaps predictably in the AP diver camp. The sub is nice but I always felt the watch head was too big for the bracelet when trying it on.

My diver is my daily wearer and only watch, holds up just great. Keeps under the radar on rubber and is exceptionally comfortable (why I passed my IWC on as I just stopped wearing it after adding the AP)

I would suggest trying them all on, then make your decision

[Stig722]

Originally Posted by Burlington

Perhaps predictably in the AP diver camp. The sub is nice but I always felt the watch head was too big for the bracelet when trying it on.

My diver is my daily wearer and only watch, holds up just great. Keeps under the radar on rubber and is exceptionally comfortable (why I passed my IWC on as I just stopped wearing it after adding the AP)

I would suggest trying them all on, then make your decision

Already tried them all on but still can't make up my mind

[subtona]

Rolex

[Kaioken x20]

99.9% of people have never heard of Audemars Piguet. Rolex is known worldwide. If this matters to you go with Rolex. It does for me.

[jb335]

Get one of the Subs. I'd go with the LVc (assuming you can get at retail) since it's more fun than the LN and you seem to value 'different.'

FYI - Subs hold their value just fine.

[dlhussain]

I look at service costs as a percentage of the mv of the watch, if its 5% or less then great. rolex service costs are higher as a percentage of MSRP but rolexes hold their value so ok to make exception.

[HL65]

Go with a Sub hard to beat!

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by awol123

AP is harder to pull off in a formal setting.

I have worn offshores at formal dinners (black tie...) while discussing multi million dollar business deals both in the US and UK. I came across a lot of RM’s in similar settings, but true depending on the individual to pull it off.

To get on topic, buy what you admire the most. I would go for a AP but probably most here would go for a Rolex instead.

[Rolexlover1992]

Ap 15400 over any sports rolex for sure,
Not a big fan of ap divers any way.

[Little machines]

You must like what you wear! You will not go wrong with either sub if you have a change of heart very easy to get your money back and purchase AP

[dlhussain]

Originally Posted by Rolexlover1992

Ap 15400 over any sports rolex for sure,
Not a big fan of ap divers any way.

Thats an unfair comparison... one is a piece of art whilst the other is a tool watch

[1William]

The Rolex Submariner is the choice for me. A classic watch with a great movement, case and dial. The Glide Lock Clasp is a work of art and might be the best in the industry. The Submariners hold value better than most and it is a pleasure to wear in all situations.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Kaioken x20

99.9% of people have never heard of Audemars Piguet. Rolex is known worldwide. If this matters to you go with Rolex. It does for me.

that is the perfect justification when you are buying a watch for other people's benefit. Its why i wear a Patek when i want to be low key, no one cares.