Value prop: Daytona 116519LN vs AP 26315

[spare]

A simple case of which would you rather?
Similar style of sports watches, both derived from legendary models, similar sizing (38 vs 39mm) with the same main complication and they can both be had for just underneath $30k

pro AP:
- Iconic, full metal bracelet
- Date complication (could go either way, I suppose)
- Stunning blue chrono subdials
- Clous de Paris, guilloché dial

pro Daytona:
- Obviously white gold should trump metal
- Screwdown pushers and crown allowing for a 100m water resistance (vs 50m for the AP)
- More scratch resistant overall (mainly due to the ceramic bezel)?
- Cheaper, less regular maintenance

For me personally, I look at these watches as great summer watches and the limited water-resistance of the AP wouldn't allow me to fully relax when sitting around a pool or even at the beach.
It would be great if the Daytona could be upgraded to a full PM bracelet (although it would obviously increase pricing substantially), but the rubber adds to the summer feeling.
The dial of the AP may offer more depth, but there's a reason the Daytona forged its reputation, and I think I'd prefer its simplicity. The sunburst effect is also quite nice.

In conclusion, for me the Rolex takes it, although I've never seen the AP in the flesh.
Curious to hear your thoughts on it.




image courtesy of www.watchclub.com



image courtesy of Hodinkee

[juanwinston]

Both are excellent. Will it be your daily?

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[NYG1121]

Really depends on what else is in your collection. I have a white dial 116500 and a grey dial 26315. I find the daytona to be more casual and the AP to be a bit more dressy. I would not have thought that before I purchased it but the smaller size and that bracelet really makes it very versatile.

[spare]

No, it would definitely not be my daily wearer. It would very much act as a summer/weekend watch.
I otherwise own a vintage sub 5513, a ceramic sub date, BLNR Oyster, a 16710 Pepsi, and a Speedy.

I won't be purchasing anything for me in the coming months given the current situation, but highly tempted to add the Daytona as a next purchase. I believe they are semi-feasible to acquire from an AD (under a year of wait period?) and think it would make a great addition. Will be inquiring once my AD reopens. Need to place an order for a Datejust for the lady, as a gift for the birth of our 2nd daughter so perfect excuse (and should create some goodwill - both from the AD and the wife ).

Interesting to see that everyone is picking RO for the time being in the poll.

[AK797]

Two great choices, depends on if you want more the luxury of PM with the Rolex, or the fine finishing and bracelet of the AP.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by AK797

Two great choices, depends on if you want more the luxury of PM with the Rolex, or the fine finishing and bracelet of the AP.

+1

For me the 515 and 518 would also be very compelling options to the 519.


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[vitadine]

Definitely the Daytona... I simply don‘t like the design of the Royal Oak.

[yoast]

I'd go with the daytona in this case

[rolexero]

For a weekend watch, no date is better in my opinion. And the Daytona design is more chill between the two. The AP will probably hold value better than a gold Daytona though

[CKizzy]

The Daytona over the AP for me!

[nachopc]

Daytona


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[NYG1121]

For your needs of a summer watch, daytona would be best with rubber strap. I will say though, despite daytona being "PM", the AP feels far more premium due to it's bracelet and overall finishing at that price point

[pearson1995]

I have asked myself this question on several occasions, I own a DaytonaC never had a RO, but every time I try and justify why the RO is better, I come back to realising the Daytona would still be my pick.

[campfire]

The RO is nice.

Daytona in this case. Especially for the use case you are describing.

Can't go wrong either way. Have fun.

[yOyOYoo]

I love everything about that RO except for the date window, its placement is too off putting for me. I vote Daytona in your case, especially since you will not be wearing the watch daily - there's no need for a date.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by yOyOYoo

I love everything about that RO except for the date window, its placement is too off putting for me. I vote Daytona in your case, especially since you will not be wearing the watch daily - there's no need for a date.

100 percent agree. The slanted date window on the AP is bad enough, but the fact that it's not even centered between the hour markers kills the dial for me. I also think the 116519 is just a prettier watch overall. (The Daytona is 40mm, not 39mm, and it also wears big because of the ceramic bezel.)

I don't see the 116519 as a summer-only watch. Why would it be? Is rubber not allowed in the other seasons? Many people associate rubber with water, of course, but it's also a big part of auto racing, e.g. Daytona.

[spare]

Originally Posted by swish77

100 percent agree. The slanted date window on the AP is bad enough, but the fact that it's not even centered between the hour markers kills the dial for me. I also think the 116519 is just a prettier watch overall. (The Daytona is 40mm, not 39mm, and it also wears big because of the ceramic bezel.)

I don't see the 116519 as a summer-only watch. Why would it be? Is rubber not allowed in the other seasons? Many people associate rubber with water, of course, but it's also a big part of auto racing, e.g. Daytona.

I understand and somewhat agree with what you're saying. Like I said in my first post: for me, personally a Rolex on Oysterflex has a summer vibe to it. That doesn't mean I wouldn't wear it besides beach- or poolside, but I would be hesitant to wear it with a suit to the office for instane. It's a t-shirt and shorts kinda watch... again, for me. You're absolutely right that a chrono is very much connected to car racing (and as a car nut, they go hand in hand).

Dimensions of the Daytona are officially reported as 40mm, but I've seen many people discussing the fact that is in reality much closer to 39mm. Nothing wrong with that. Putting a Daytona C next to a SubC or a GMT C it's clear that they appear a tad smaller.

[Token74]

Although a huge AP fan and owner of four Royal Oak variants, the 116519 wins this one for me. The AP chronos just don’t do it for me, I’ve no idea why not.

I have a 116519 and love it. Pitch it against my 15300 and I’d rather the 15300, easy.


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[Oaker1]

Daytona; the 519 is the best looking Daytona in the current line up, IMHO. I would much prefer it over the RO.

[ap1]

I have both and don’t see them as peers at all. I’d be far more willing to wear the Daytona out in the wild in more situations. The AP is art. I just like looking at it and it’s more of a special occasion watch for me. I want that bezel pristine. I love them both though and will vote 519 solely on its versatility. The AP is no beach watch, that’s for sure.

[myc ritz]

Daytona by a mile. Precious metal and still more durable. AP cases are scratch magnets. If your "weekends" involve booze, it's a no brainer.

[Mr. Drunmond]

I prefer the Daytona, but you are already rolex heavy in your collection, i like diversity, so i'll vote AP.

[porschejeff]

Both are fabulous choices and you can't go wrong. I just sold my 116515 and loved it, but would choose the AP. I am sure your poll results would vary if you took this in the AP forum on here.

[macrowatch]

Have both, would go with Daytona. If possible, go both.

Very different watches though. Incidently, I also usually wear the AP with a rubber strap, so it's not so much of an issue with the Daytona only having OF.

[GSDLover]

AP is one of the Holy Trinity. But i would pick the Daytona due to the precious metal.
A little more money gets you the 26331or. Thats the winner.

[Amochosto]

I think I might go AP. The AP white dial is so beautiful and shiny almost luminous. I don’t know how else to describe how awesome it looks under bright light, but, I don’t know if I’d like it with the blue sub-dials I’d have to see it in person. If the sub-dials were black like the 26331 it would be a no- brainer, just take something else to the beach.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by Amochosto

I think I might go AP. The AP white dial is so beautiful and shiny almost luminous. I don’t know how else to describe how awesome it looks under bright light, but, I don’t know if I’d like it with the blue sub-dials I’d have to see it in person. If the sub-dials were black like the 26331 it would be a no- brainer, just take something else to the beach.

They look black mostly tbh

[HogwldFLTR]

The answer is always Daytona.

[Rocco21]

Daytona allday for me

[juanwinston]

If its not going to be your daily, then go for something more special and for me that is the AP. No offense, i love the daytona but the AP is more suitable for special occasion.

Hope you choose one that is best for you

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