AP ROC 26240ST vs 26331ST ??

[ase_sbhwatch]

I’m a huge fan of the new AP chronographs. AP can do no wrong in my mind. For whatever it’s worth, there are a few changes worth pointing out however. I’d be curious to hear (or see photos) once someone is able to do a true side-by-side in the flesh.

Dial: The obvious change is the return to solid dials vs. the discontinued panda / reverse panda. The sub-dials are now pushed outward and slightly higher, presumably to match the Code chrono for economies of scale. There’s also the deletion of the “AP” along with white lettering, in favor of the Code-style logo. Depending on the lighting the new logo tends to disappear into the dial. Others have posted the new tapisserie dials also appear a little more ‘shiny’. Lastly, the date window looks a little wonky to me, partly interfering with the seconds track.

Case: The 26240 case is definitely thicker to accommodate the Code movement, which AP is promoting as somehow having a better fit. And the chrono pushers are now moved outward vs. partly protected by the crown-guard in the discontinued 26331. Not quite as bad as a PP 5980 but still a change worth noting. The edges of the case now have a wider polished chamfered edge. The magic trick of the RO was how these almost imperceptible polished surfaces would ‘spark’ flashes of light as the wrist turns. Curious to see how the new chamfers play with light.

Bracelet: The bracelet links are now clearly thinner and narrower in both width and thickness. The width now tapers down quite narrowly at the clasp. Presumably AP can use the new thinner clasp across the RO line. The first set of sub-links (where the bracelet connects with the case) now appear a bit more spread apart from the bezel. And in some side-photos, there’s a noticeable step-down in thickness at the connection between the case and bracelet. Until we can see a true side-by-side video, it’s hard to say if the design changes to the bracelet potentially create a less integral piece overall — arguably moving away from the design language of the 15202.

To conclude with where I started, I love the new 41mm 26240 and I trust AP’s new design language. I have no doubt the new direction was carefully thought out. But I can’t wait to see how it stacks up side-by-side with the 26331 in the flesh, once they start coming into the hands of collectors who are lucky enough to own both!
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[thekman]

I definitely like how the subdial sizes are now the same and how the 4.30 date has been centered. Having said that I do miss the AP logo and think the contrasting subdials look much more interesting. I own the black 26331st but hope I get the opportunity to get the new green or blue ones.

[7sins]

I've owned the 26320, 26331 and now the 26240, no contest the 26240 is my favorite. Aesthetically speaking I much prefer the sub dials all being the same size, this creates better proportions on the dial. It also takes more space on the dial and thus the absence of the "AP" logo, if that was added, the dial IMO would be too cluttered. Much prefer the date centered between 4 and 5, looks like it actually belongs there on the dial, 26331 looked out of place. Lets not forget the crystal back so you can now see the movement on the 26240 opposed to the steel back on the 26331. The cases wear very similarly on the wrist. Noticeably the bracelet is thinner, it feels less substantial, it is the only part of the watch I prefer on the 26331 albeit the bracelet tapper on the 26240 is exceptional.

I also prefer the monotone dials opposed to the off color subdials on the 26331, that is just my personal preference as I see it more cohesive and is why I preferred the 26320 to the 26331.

[macrowatch]

Hypothetical 26320 with display back and BMG material > 26320 > 26240 > 26331 IMHO.

FWIW, I think actually i like the printed name better, the current way sort of blends into the dial too much. But everyone that has been waiting for in house movement on ROC is now piling in, so this is really just 1% nit picking.

[DonLee]

I think both have pros and cons. The new 26240 has the saphire caseback, better date window and balanced subdials. However, the 26331 was thinner, and I actually like the contrasting dials more.

overall i'd go with the 26240 because it's purely more AP. And with the 50 anni rotor, it's just more special

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by DonLee

I think both have pros and cons. The new 26240 has the saphire caseback, better date window and balanced subdials. However, the 26331 was thinner, and I actually like the contrasting dials more.

overall i'd go with the 26240 because it's purely more AP. And with the 50 anni rotor, it's just more special

A 26331 Panda and a RG 26240 with green or blue dial would make a nice pair - at least that's what I've been telling my boutique

[rtanjaya]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

A 26331 Panda and a RG 26240 with green or blue dial would make a nice pair - at least that's what I've been telling my boutique

That's what i've been telling my boutique too

I saw the 26240 Blue dial traveling piece a couple of weeks back, the new cleaner dial with the applied logo and the bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 “Grande Tapisserie” dial, the way it plays with light is just absolutely smashing and beautiful.

Based on the description, bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 “Grande Tapisserie” dial - Im guessing this might just be 1 off for this year only, if that is so that then it is truly specialy and not just the differentiation of the 50th year rotor.

[l_chissle]

I don't know if I'm the only one that thinks this, but I really do prefer the 26331 date window. just prefer it smaller, and actually not at very edge.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by thekman

I definitely like how the subdial sizes are now the same and how the 4.30 date has been centered. Having said that I do miss the AP logo and think the contrasting subdials look much more interesting. I own the black 26331st but hope I get the opportunity to get the new green or blue ones.

I agree, if they could combine the best of both models they would have the ideal one for me.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by AK797

I agree, if they could combine the best of both models they would have the ideal one for me.

I bet the pandas return back in 2027.

[edo]

Aesthetically 39 and 38 still much better than 41mm versions...

[NYG1121]

Date window waaaay too far down the dial on the new one and way too high on the 41mm. The 38mm probably best but it is not centered. So pick your poison but none are ideal.

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by LPC6

I don't know if I'm the only one that thinks this, but I really do prefer the 26331 date window. just prefer it smaller, and actually not at very edge.

I agree completely. There was so much complaining about the 26331 date window not being centered but the new one looks like it's falling off the dial.

[Spin27]

I have not yet seen the 26240 in the flesh, but owning a 26331 I am completely biased in saying how incredible the thin profile, contrasting subdials, and overall dial spacing are. Both are absolutely stunning pieces but my vote goes to the 26331.

[17noir]

Originally Posted by LPC6

I don't know if I'm the only one that thinks this, but I really do prefer the 26331 date window. just prefer it smaller, and actually not at very edge.

I also might be in the minority here, but I prefer the look on the 26331 especially the panda dial.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by Sitaic

Once you see it you can't unsee it

[supersam80]

26331st panda owner here so I'm biased too

Prefer the sub dials and thickness of the old, date window and caseback of the new

Both are stunning watches though

[mickyd329]

I like both. I have a 26331 and love it. I also have the blue dial and green dial 26240st on the wishlist with my boutique. I think both references have their own unique characters we can appreciate.

[Thebluewatchlover]

Prefer the 26331 over the 26240 due to having a better contrast and readibility. The new sundials having the same exact color and tone as the dial almost appears it has blend into the background and faded away.

[ase_sbhwatch]

Here’s another attempt at a virtual side-by-side. Hoping to see one in-the-flesh at some point. Setting aside the thicker case / thinner bracelet conundrum, the deleted AP, the extinction of the panda / reverse-panda(and my other observations at the top of this post) there just seems to be better overall balance to the 26331 dial. The new sub-dials on the 26240 look too spread out, too high above centerline. A better apples-to-apples comparison might be with the first-gen 41 ROC 26320ST. Even that looked more ‘right’ than the 26240. I just can’t unsee the Code in the new 26240 dial.
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[gretch6364]

You mention the centerline....I am sure our eyes will get used to it, or at least I hope. That is my one single issue with the new one....the registers being above the centerline.

With that said, I have not had the chance to see one in person, so not sure if it as noticeable when wearing. I tried on one of the new Offshores and didn't even notice it in person. Then I saw the pictures of the new ROC and went back and looked at the offshore pics online and sure enough...above centerline as well.

So hopefully not as prominent when wearing?

[7sins]

Originally Posted by gretch6364

You mention the centerline....I am sure our eyes will get used to it, or at least I hope. That is my one single issue with the new one....the registers being above the centerline.

With that said, I have not had the chance to see one in person, so not sure if it as noticeable when wearing. I tried on one of the new Offshores and didn't even notice it in person. Then I saw the pictures of the new ROC and went back and looked at the offshore pics online and sure enough...above centerline as well.

So hopefully not as prominent when wearing?

It isn't noticeable nor prominent in person. Nor is the "falling off the ledge" date window, in person, the date window looks fine and well centered.

[raclaims]

I agree...in person I thought the new chrono looks amazing...it's very easy to nit pick in pictures...just like cars...some times you need to see them in person to really appreciate the design