Which chronograph would you buy? Rolex vs AP

[danwang0520]

Dear TRF,

I'm planning to buy a chronograph to add to my current collection in an year or two. As a reference, here's my current lineup right now:
1) Rolex Submariner(116610LV)
2) Rolex GMT-Master II(126710BLNR)
3) Breitling B01 Navitimer 43(AB0138211B1A1)

Which chronograph would you buy(I've picked out the models that I'm most interested in)?
1) Rolex Cosmograph Daytona(126500LN)

2) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph(26240ST)





3) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph(26238)



4) Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph(26420)



Thank you for your comments.

[Michael1968]

Option 2, AP Royal Oak Chronograph 26240ST blue or black dial in my opinion

[drrd]

Tell us a bit more; what do you like about all those (very varied) models? Are you buying grey or boutique for the APs? Presumably grey for the Daytona…

[danwang0520]

Originally Posted by drrd

Tell us a bit more; what do you like about all those (very varied) models? Are you buying grey or boutique for the APs? Presumably grey for the Daytona…

Great question!

My plan is to work with a PP/Rolex AD to setup a bundle deal where I will be buying a PP annual calendar in order to get the Daytona at retail....

If not possible down the road, I'm thinking of purchasing AP instead...since the Daytona grey price is similar to AP pricing

That's my current thought right now~

[MSL997]

Daytona, they have been making the chronograph longer.

Screws is 1970s.

[Benzsiam]

126500LN or 26240ST blue dial, whichever becomes available first at MSRP would be my choice or get both of them.

[kieselguhr]

I would get the 42mm offshore Chrono. But the variations pictured in the op are kinda bland for me.

Would go with 26238ST myself

[andreas0411]

26240ST for wrist size above 7'', 126500ST for wrist size below 7''

[JSolution]

I mean you have 7 AP vs one Rolex on your hitlist I think it’s safe to say you like the AP more lol

[John Doyle]

Daytona for sure... Much more versatile and iconic. If you want an AP go for the jumbo or a 15400sr

[996marty]

I’d be going for the AP but as to which one is a personal choice

[In-N-Out]

Daytona or the Beast. both were designed to be chronos. RO was designed to be a time/date watch.

I would also consider the code chrono in steel, which I think is the best chrono AP makes at the entry level. Even john Mayer raves about the code chrono

[travisb]

That's a lot of APs vs one Daytona. Option 3 of the APs (the closest version to the original ROO) would be my choice.

[joli160]

For me the Daytona, better looking watch imho and never goes out of style

[brandrea]

I’d pick your favorite AP of the bunch

[Driver8]

I think it's safe to say you really want an AP there, OP!

IMO I'd go for Option 3, as I cannot stand 4:30 date positions on any watch.

[davek35]

Daytona.
I don't like angular things on a watch. Lugs that turn down, like on the AP, are a no for me, also.

[1William]

The Daytona for me. I like the looks of AP but if it was a daily the Daytona would work better for me.

[RTG]

AP makes jewelry. Their chrono movement is pretty but mechanically inferior to Rolex in every way. I don’t think that matters to many AP buyers but I would prefer an earlier AP chrono without an in house movement. Something that offers the same form but better function.

To me, it can’t be considered high horology without a high standard of time keeping. You’ll notice AP makes no claims of accuracy, unlike their competitors.

[Krash]

Out of those, I’d go for the black/white/splash of red offshore.


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[drrd]

Originally Posted by danwang0520

Great question!

My plan is to work with a PP/Rolex AD to setup a bundle deal where I will be buying a PP annual calendar in order to get the Daytona at retail....

If not possible down the road, I'm thinking of purchasing AP instead...since the Daytona grey price is similar to AP pricing

That's my current thought right now~

Thanks, that’s useful.

The PP bundle is quite a bundle. Hopefully it’s either a keeper or you’re going to be careful and mindful of what you might reasonably be offered grey for it before committing. Also of course you need to be very wary of buying the PP on a promise.

If you’re thinking the bundle will stand you in good stead with the AD down the line too then another thought is the recent bucherer deal, and where you choose to start building that AD ‘relationship’.

Have you checked those AP models out in person yet? Just asking because they’re very different in size and style to the Daytona. The 43mm Offshore and the 42mm steel with the full bracelet are pretty big pieces. The AP boutiques are cool though and there’s worse places to spend an hour chatting and trying on watches :)

I’m unsure of AP right now. I think they have a new CEO coming in soon. Their secondary market prices are dropping faster than most. Who knows what direction they go in in the next couple of years. I also get put off by the frequent QC issues coming up for discussion on the AP forum, and the chronographs seem disproportionately affected.

I like kieselguhr‘s recommendation. The baby blue with orange highlights are nice and it looks good in person. Totally different to white dial Daytona though!

[bp1000]

The Daytona was launched to try and be the best chronograph on the market.

The RO Chrono is simply another SKU in the RO lineup.
RO shines with jumbo, extra thin / ultra thin (PC), openwork & concept.

[Danzi]

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph(26240ST)

[Sglider]

I want a date window on my watch so easy choice. No desire to ever own a Daytona but like others, I'm not exactly a fan of AP and their angular offerings.

Thankfully the world has both chocolate and vanilla available.

[m3tek44]

AP Chrono is simply beautiful but durability goes to Rolex. For everyday wears I suggest Rolex but something special get AP Chrono. That said if I had to pick one and only goes to AP Chrono.

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[Seddyspaghetti]

Depends. If i want a daily, id buy the daytona. If i want a special occasion piece, id buy the ROC. I dont really have too many special occasions these days and i dont live in a relatively safe city so i’m going with the daytona.

[RustyW]

New Daytona is cool, but Love APs

[KatGirl]

If I were to get a chronograph, it would be the iconic Speedy Pro!

Kat


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[sawhornsoff]

For me, a Daytona from my AD at msrp.

[APhound]

Tough choice! I have one of everything you’re between and I like my 43 best.
But if I was cross shopping w a Daytona I’d prob get the royal oak.
As long as you go AP you’re going to be very happy


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