AP has “ruined” Rolex for me

[AEV]

Title says it pretty straightforward. I started with Rolex but in the past 1.5 years, 3 out of my last 4 purchases have been AP.
Top 3 have completely “ruined” the bottom 3 for me to the extent that I don’t feel like even pulling them out of the watch roll. I already sold my RG Olive DD, and I am now contemplating to sell the last 3 Rolexes.

Has anyone, especially more experienced collectors, been in a similar situation?
I feel I might regret it down the line.

I hope this doesn’t come across as snobby.
I am genuinely looking for opinions / advice.





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[Vince_76]

This is a very common sentiment. AP is just a cut above IMO (although it’s all personal preference). I’d say the only knock is the wear and tear on a royal oak as a daily. But that’s what offshores are for.

All I knew was that as soon as the first AP touched my wrist, it was something special compared to rolex

[Palex]

[QUOTE=AEV;12667884]Title says it pretty straightforward. I started with Rolex but in the past 1.5 years, 3 out of my last 4 purchases have been AP.
Top 3 have completely “ruined” the bottom 3 for me to the extent that I don’t feel like even pulling them out of the watch roll. I already sold my RG Olive DD, and I am now contemplating to sell the last 3 Rolexes.

Has anyone, especially more experienced collectors, been in a similar situation?
I feel I might regret it down the line.

I hope this doesn’t come across as snobby.
I am genuinely looking for opinions / advice.

Funny that you mention it. I am in exactly the same situation. Last two years have bought 5 Audemars Piguet. Also some Rolex watches. I already had some Rplex watches.

Last month sold most of the Rolex. I just enjoy AP so much more. In the way they look and are made.

Another reason for me is that the past years, Rolex has gotten a certain "image" in my opinion.

So I can relate to your thoughts!

[Reign]

Totally normal. I bought one Batman, wanted more Rolex. Bought one AP, got a few more handfuls of APs.

Still only have one Rolex.

The way the light hits an AP, it’s just different to Rolex. It’s like going from a fine wine to a flat soda


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[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

I’d say the only knock is the wear and tear on a royal oak as a daily. But that’s what offshores are for.

Ugh, I wish. I tried to daily an Offshore. Didn't work out. Went back to Rolex.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by tifosi

Ugh, I wish. I tried to daily an Offshore. Didn't work out. Went back to Rolex.

Sizing? That’s the biggest issues with offshores imo

[ButtButt]

Not just AP but once you discover all the other wonderful watch brands out there Rolex just doesn’t feel that special anymore. I think Rolex for a lot of people is the entry point into the world of luxury watches and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s hard to really compare their watches to the higher end stuff IMO.

[EdwardC]

AP is good. But I dont think I will just wear AP at all times. I feel there's always a place for diversity and Rolex is always a tougher watch for me. Polishing aside, I feel Rolex's steel is actually higher quality than AP.

[huncho]

i think there's room in a collection for both but they're definitely in different tiers. i like to think the RO is on the same level as a DD

[D_Rolex]

I can certainly relate. After getting my 15510 50th I just want to further expand my AP collection.

Really in the hands of my SA… and somewhat my wife… lol.


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[crispyness87]

Originally Posted by AEV

Title says it pretty straightforward. I started with Rolex but in the past 1.5 years, 3 out of my last 4 purchases have been AP.
Top 3 have completely “ruined” the bottom 3 for me to the extent that I don’t feel like even pulling them out of the watch roll. I already sold my RG Olive DD, and I am now contemplating to sell the last 3 Rolexes.

Has anyone, especially more experienced collectors, been in a similar situation?
I feel I might regret it down the line.

I hope this doesn’t come across as snobby.
I am genuinely looking for opinions / advice.





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Your top 3 is way more interesting than your bottom 3. It’s just a fact. The way you feel isn’t surprising at all.

[gretch6364]

I would sell two of the Rolex's...keep the pepsi or the green one.

[Mbbgysam]

You are not alone. I've sold many Rolexes along the way in lieu of more AP (fwiw I sold my blue SkyD and Hulk, but kept the Pepsi on Jubilee which serves as my beater).

[mickyd329]

I know the feeling, but I wouldn't just sell the Rolex collection as you have a nice trio there. I go through phases where I wear mostly AP's and then back to Rolex for a while. AP's are definitely on another level, but there are many times I want to wear something I don't have to worry so much about sratching and that's where Rolex comes into play. I think both are necessary in a collection.

[vitalsigns]

Just wait until a new interloper ruins AP for you...

[DonLee]

I have 1 Rolex, and it's probably my favorite. That 1 is enough.

TBF, Rolex watches are very practical, comfortable and sturdy workhorses.

However, they are not art pieces. If I'm going to spend a lot of money on a watch, it needs to have an art element and being special, and not a mass produced watch by machines.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Sizing? That’s the biggest issues with offshores imo

To put it simply, yes. Size and comfort. It was the most uncomfortable watch I've ever owned.

[bullies]

I know the feeling. Added 2 AP's in 2020. But, after a little bit I realized that Rolex fits my lifestyle pretty well right now. I have three kids under 5 and I'm constantly on the move, tossing them around, swimming, sticking my hands in car seats, etc etc
I keep thinking I need to add a PP on leather, but it's just not my lifestyle at the moment.

With that said, personally, I'd keep the Rolex pieces, but depends on your lifestyle

[APhound]

I think it’s the stainless sports models that are ruined. After going AP I have come back to Rolex but only interested in precious metal models now. No more interest in basically the watches you posted, which I thought were so cool before getting into AP. If those three were Pepsi meteorite, rg sky dweller and gold sub for example it might be different. But that’s me- you said you sold your rg dd so I dunno


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[Vetracer]

Everyone has differing tastes and that’s ok.
Personally, I’m not into AP, they just don’t appeal to me. My collection consists of Patek Philippe, Rolex and Omega.

[macrowatch]

Common sentiment. I usually daily an AP PQ these days. I will say whenever I put on a Pepsi though, I think wow, what an amazing watch. No love lost there for me. But I had a watch problem…so I am biased.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by bullies

I know the feeling. Added 2 AP's in 2020. But, after a little bit I realized that Rolex fits my lifestyle pretty well right now. I have three kids under 5 and I'm constantly on the move, tossing them around, swimming, sticking my hands in car seats, etc etc
I keep thinking I need to add a PP on leather, but it's just not my lifestyle at the moment.

With that said, personally, I'd keep the Rolex pieces, but depends on your lifestyle

I heat you! Car seats and AP RO don’t play well together!

[Commandopat]

I started with Omega, then Rolex and now AP. My first AP was a 43mm ROO and while it was amazing it didn’t sing to me as much as my DSSD no matter how much I tried to make it.
I then bought a ROC and a RO and now those two get all my wrist time; I sold my Yachtmaster and ROO but could not part with my DSSD - it’s still truly the watch I want when I go to the beach or do anything where I know my wrist could get banged around.

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by arbees319

I think it’s the stainless sports models that are ruined. After going AP I have come back to Rolex but only interested in precious metal models now. No more interest in basically the watches you posted, which I thought were so cool before getting into AP. If those three were Pepsi meteorite, rg sky dweller and gold sub for example it might be different. But that’s me- you said you sold your rg dd so I dunno


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Completely agree. I daily a WG Sub, now, and couldn't be happier.

[srvrf]

My advice would be to keep at least one of the Rolexes unless financially it makes sense to sell them (perhaps to fund another watch). After working my way up to AP and PP, I have found that there are still times when a Datejust or even G-Shock is more appropriate. But I know how you are feeling because most of the time, I want an AP or PP on my wrist.

[AshAP]

I think there’s definitely a place for 1 Rolex in a collection dominated by AP. In reality though I can’t be bothered with the a**hole pompous attitude of the staff in Rolex stores. The idea of having to buy 1 sh*t watch for every professional model is just ridiculous.


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[S1mplee]

Keep the Pepsi, you can beat it up and use the function when traveling.

[Armis]

I’d expect you would regret it later if you offloaded your Rolex collection. Rolex has a rich and impressive history in its own right with a series of solid, reliable watches like no other. And I’m saying this as someone with a strong AP affinity. Still, I appreciate the Daytona and Submariner, as well as sincere respect for the origins of the Explorer and GMT master.
AP, PP, etc. have their places in a strong collection, but if like me (and many others) a Rolex was your first horological aspiration which carried special meaning when you were first able to afford and acquire one, then nothing else replaces the significance of that crown. Admittedly, Rolex may not have that sentimental value to you, in which case I understand your feelings about AP. Follow your heart.

[R35GTR]

100% agree with you. After owning my 38mm ROC for a week now (brand new from AD), I have absolutely zero desire to wear my BLRO anymore, which I bought from an AD last year. It’s a shame too because that was my dream watch for years before the AP. It’s a different level that you can’t describe but when you see them side by side you know.

I still love my PM Daytona, which is special in its own way and different than the AP.

I think I’m gonna keep my Pepsi for a little while and if in a year I don’t wear it anymore, I’ll look to offload it.

[Vipes]

You may still be in the honeymoon phase with AP. Keep the Rolexes.