Reflections of a Rolex to AP convert

[Watch This]

Over the years, if Rolex made it, I owned it. As in probably a dozen different models mostly in the SS sport line. As a younger man, to me it represented the pinnacle of prestige. Rolex is oh so awesome at marketing.

In the last few years I have acquired a taste for something different, not in small part due to the fact that it seemed that every schmo out there sporting a Submariner or a 20 year old Date Just with an awful after-market diamond bezel thinks they are big time. You can sense it in some (disclaimer....not all) on the various Rolex forums. It's the "look at me", "look at my car", obnoxious new money (or not) mentality.

So long story short....I recently picked up a new AP Diver. I wear it every day. It's heavy. That took a bit of getting used to. The finish and craftsmanship are world class. The movement is a work of art. It's a consistent +5 seconds per day which, although not thrilled, I can live with until serviced for my 3rd year additional warranty. I think what I like best is that i wear it for me. I don't care about being seen in something that is more readily recognized. Mind you, the watch gets plenty of stares from folks sporting other similarly stealthy pieces like PP, Lange, etc.

What I absolutely like the best is feeling comfortable in my own skin, so to speak, and not wearing the "must have" that everyone else has. This AP sub forum is cool because there is a whole lot less showiness (is that a word?) and pretense. And I suspect that may be due to the fact that the folks that frequent the AP sub-forum are also comfortable in their own skin, understand that you don't flaunt $$$ and are not in need of impressing anyone. Good to be here. Peace.

[J!m]

Ahhhh grasshopper.

You have achieved chronographic enlighrenment.

Brand matters not when watch is for wearer and not for looker.

Rolex or otherwise, enjoy and as a bonus, be able to tell the time without a cell phone!

[eal15]

Originally Posted by Watch This

Over the years, if Rolex made it, I owned it. As in probably a dozen different models mostly in the SS sport line. As a younger man, to me it represented the pinnacle of prestige. Rolex is oh so awesome at marketing.

In the last few years I have acquired a taste for something different, not in small part due to the fact that it seemed that every schmo out there sporting a Submariner or a 20 year old Date Just with an awful after-market diamond bezel thinks they are big time. You can sense it in some (disclaimer....not all) on the various Rolex forums. It's the "look at me", "look at my car", obnoxious new money (or not) mentality.

So long story short....I recently picked up a new AP Diver. I wear it every day. It's heavy. That took a bit of getting used to. The finish and craftsmanship are world class. The movement is a work of art. It's a consistent +5 seconds per day which, although not thrilled, I can live with until serviced for my 3rd year additional warranty. I think what I like best is that i wear it for me. I don't care about being seen in something that is more readily recognized. Mind you, the watch gets plenty of stares from folks sporting other similarly stealthy pieces like PP, Lange, etc.

What I absolutely like the best is feeling comfortable in my own skin, so to speak, and not wearing the "must have" that everyone else has. This AP sub forum is cool because there is a whole lot less showiness (is that a word?) and pretense. And I suspect that may be due to the fact that the folks that frequent the AP sub-forum are also comfortable in their own skin, understand that you don't flaunt $$$ and are not in need of impressing anyone. Good to be here. Peace.

+1 but I do still love panerai! I love my new diver for the same reasons you're you do.

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by eal15

+1 but I do still love panerai! I love my new diver for the same reasons you're you do.

Panerai also has that awesome stealthiness. Nothing else looks like a PAM. I had the 422 and 88. I need to learn to acquire and not flip. I miss them too much.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Watch This

Over the years, if Rolex made it, I owned it. As in probably a dozen different models mostly in the SS sport line. As a younger man, to me it represented the pinnacle of prestige. Rolex is oh so awesome at marketing.



In the last few years I have acquired a taste for something different, not in small part due to the fact that it seemed that every schmo out there sporting a Submariner or a 20 year old Date Just with an awful after-market diamond bezel thinks they are big time. You can sense it in some (disclaimer....not all) on the various Rolex forums. It's the "look at me", "look at my car", obnoxious new money (or not) mentality.



So long story short....I recently picked up a new AP Diver. I wear it every day. It's heavy. That took a bit of getting used to. The finish and craftsmanship are world class. The movement is a work of art. It's a consistent +5 seconds per day which, although not thrilled, I can live with until serviced for my 3rd year additional warranty. I think what I like best is that i wear it for me. I don't care about being seen in something that is more readily recognized. Mind you, the watch gets plenty of stares from folks sporting other similarly stealthy pieces like PP, Lange, etc.



What I absolutely like the best is feeling comfortable in my own skin, so to speak, and not wearing the "must have" that everyone else has. This AP sub forum is cool because there is a whole lot less showiness (is that a word?) and pretense. And I suspect that may be due to the fact that the folks that frequent the AP sub-forum are also comfortable in their own skin, understand that you don't flaunt $$$ and are not in need of impressing anyone. Good to be here. Peace.

Someone a while ago posted a very funny and true article about the three stages of a Rolex wearer. To sum it up:

Stage 1: Rolex Is The Best (New Guy Version.)
Stage 2: Rolex Is For Suckers (New Connoisseur Version.)
Stage 3: Rolexes Are Actually Pretty Good Watches (Grizzled Veteran Version.)

It sounds like you have moved to stage two!

I find myself struggling between stage two and three. My collection is now much more diverse and I've added other brands that I have a strong appreciation for. My wish list doesn't even include any more Rolex watches.

However, once you move past stage 1 yourself where all you know about is Rolex it's not hard to see why they are so popular. They make pretty darn good watches. (Although I too hate seeing every single person with their Instagram pic of their Sub and their BMW )

Here's the full link to the article:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jackfors...nized-watch/2/



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[Watch This]

I have moved to stage 2. Rolex makes a great watch no doubt. I even confess that I want to re-acquire the BLNR once the hype settles down. I think it is the Submariner/BMW poser crowd that turned me off. Your post in reply to my OP was awesome. Enjoyed the read.

[AK797]

Every brand has it's detractors so don't worry about posers/image just about the watch, including AP, who some think are mainly for rappers and orgiastic footballers, and PP for Aryan Eurocrats and their workshy next gen.

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by AK797

Every brand has it's detractors so don't worry about posers/image just about the watch, including AP, who some think are mainly for rappers and orgiastic footballers, and PP for Aryan Eurocrats and their workshy next gen.

Definite stage 3.

[asleep]

Originally Posted by J!m

Brand matters not when watch is for wearer and not for looker.

Wisdom.

[GB-man]

Been there and done that. Give it time.

Btw people in BMWs with subs are posers? How about people with an eye for quality? Few cars scream look at me more than the camaro in your avatar

[NoVaSubowner]

There and back again for me. I think the RO 15400 is an incredible piece and a direct lineal descendant of one of the most classic watch designs of all time,

But, as discussed in another post; I dislike the LeBron/celebrity aspect of AP as much as I dislike the Rolex fanatics..... Both camps detract from watches that are chock full of horological history and in the case of AP design innovation and craftsmanship in the ROO line.

While the ROO is not for me I recognize that it is an amazing sports watch. I think moving away from Rolex has made me appreciate the qualities of all watch makers from Orient to PP. I also now appreciate what Rolex does more then ever. Is it the best watch in the world???? Far from it. Is it the best watch at what it is made for? Possibly.

[lig]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Been there and done that. Give it time.

Btw people in BMWs with subs are posers? How about people with an eye for quality? Few cars scream look at me more than the camaro in your avatar

[benlee]

Originally Posted by Watch This

What I absolutely like the best is feeling comfortable in my own skin, so to speak, and not wearing the "must have" that everyone else has. This AP sub forum is cool because there is a whole lot less showiness (is that a word?) and pretense. And I suspect that may be due to the fact that the folks that frequent the AP sub-forum are also comfortable in their own skin, understand that you don't flaunt $$$ and are not in need of impressing anyone. Good to be here. Peace.

Well said. Watches should be mainly for self-satisfaction first before trying to impress others. Not that there is anything wrong also if this is the main objective. .

P/S : Diver is a great choice!

[benlee]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Been there and done that. Give it time.

Btw people in BMWs with subs are posers? How about people with an eye for quality? Few cars scream look at me more than the camaro in your avatar

I guess I am a poser!

[Ravager135]

First off all, when the time comes for me to get an AP, it will 100% be the AP Diver. The problem I have right now is that the AP Diver just does not have the versatility that the Rolex sport models do. I don't see myself ever "getting over" Rolex but I do know for sure that there's a difference when it comes to brands like AP, PP, and ALS.

I want so badly to love the classic AP Royal Oak but the Diver or the ROO are the pieces I drool over. They are just too sporty for me to make a one and only at this time.

[masterkiller]

Why keep to one brand, my current set-up...next watch on my wish list is the Omega DSOTM...

[eonflux]

Originally Posted by masterkiller

Why keep to one brand, my current set-up...next watch on my wish list is the Omega DSOTM...

Great collection!
Dark Side would be a nice addition

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Been there and done that. Give it time.

Btw people in BMWs with subs are posers? How about people with an eye for quality? Few cars scream look at me more than the camaro in your avatar

so I didn't intend to hijack this thread and turn it against angry BMW owners. In fact, I'm a loyal BMW owner...I've driven them since I bought my first 1987 5 series when I was 19.

That being said, both Rolex and BMW are extremely high quality companies that have achieved a popularity status with the "masses". First for their quality of course, and also because of their achievable price points on entry models.

Anytime you have this a symptom can be that people start "flaunting" the brand simply because of the logo and NOT because they have an eye for quality.

To the OP's point, I think he and may others find this hard to stomach because we do have an eye for quality and it's not being represented for that purpose.


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[Watch This]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Been there and done that. Give it time.

Btw people in BMWs with subs are posers? How about people with an eye for quality? Few cars scream look at me more than the camaro in your avatar

I trust you understand that the reference to BMW, which by the way, appeared nowhere in my OP, was to simply make a generalization and not to attack BMW or Submariner owners. I myself have owned both.

BTW...I love my 2015 Camaro SS. Its a rocket. Mostly drive Audi. My BMW was spending more time in the shop than on the road.

[Watch This]

Anytime you have this a symptom can be that people start "flaunting" the brand simply because of the logo and NOT because they have an eye for quality.

To the OP's point, I think he and may others find this hard to stomach because we do have an eye for quality and it's not being represented for that purpose.

That is EXACTLY the point trying to be made. Nothing more.

[jrs146]

Clearly anyone on this forum has an appreciation for watches or else they wouldn't take the time to be a part of this great community. I'm sure this applies to other things like cars also.

Do a quick search on Instagram and you will see millions of posts of Rolex, BMW, and a Million other brands by people who couldn't even tell you the caliber number of their watch or how much HP their engine has. It's not about the craftsmanship for them, it's about the status symbol that the brand has.

Hope I didn't cause offense to anyone. Happy Black Friday! Let's all go spend some money on brands with high status symbols!


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[Jack Cassidy]

I drive and love BMW and own a Rolex Sub Smurf - and I am happy with that whatever your conceptions of show-off may be.

I like the AP Diver and own an AP ROO Black Themes myself which I have put on the great rubber strap.

I will have to disagree with the notion that AP is understated luxury. AP ROO watches are extremely flashy with a strong statement both in steel and RG - and the endless limited versions variants. Rolex sports watches are actually more subdued than ROO.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by Jack Cassidy

I drive and love BMW and own a Rolex Sub Smurf - and I am happy with that whatever your conceptions of show-off may be.

I like the AP Diver and own an AP ROO Black Themes myself which I have put on the great rubber strap.

I will have to disagree with the notion that AP is understated luxury. AP ROO watches are extremely flashy with a strong statement both in steel and RG - and the endless limited versions variants. Rolex sports watches are actually more subdued than ROO.

Dunno, the President, Daytona, and GMT models have plenty of flash, and the Jubilee bracelet is about as flashy as it gets. I certainly wouldn't characterize my Diver as being more flashy than my Daytona or GMT IIc.

[Jack Cassidy]

Discreet under-the-radar AP luxury in case Rolex is too flashy for you.

[improviz]

O-kay....well, in the same cherry-picked red-herring vein, here are some fine examples of subdued non-blingy Rolex sport watches:

[Watch This]

That all black AP is sick!!!!!. The OP wasn't about flash. Both AP and Rolex make some flashy pieces. It was about wearing what you want. AP is seriously high end but not as well known or easily identifiable as is Rolex. That was the main point of my thread. OMG that all black AP!!!!!!!

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by jrs146

so I didn't intend to hijack this thread and turn it against angry BMW owners. In fact, I'm a loyal BMW owner...I've driven them since I bought my first 1987 5 series when I was 19.

That being said, both Rolex and BMW are extremely high quality companies that have achieved a popularity status with the "masses". First for their quality of course, and also because of their achievable price points on entry models.

Anytime you have this a symptom can be that people start "flaunting" the brand simply because of the logo and NOT because they have an eye for quality.

To the OP's point, I think he and may others find this hard to stomach because we do have an eye for quality and it's not being represented for that purpose.


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Originally Posted by Watch This

I trust you understand that the reference to BMW, which by the way, appeared nowhere in my OP, was to simply make a generalization and not to attack BMW or Submariner owners. I myself have owned both.

BTW...I love my 2015 Camaro SS. Its a rocket. Mostly drive Audi. My BMW was spending more time in the shop than on the road.

Originally Posted by Jack Cassidy

I drive and love BMW and own a Rolex Sub Smurf - and I am happy with that whatever your conceptions of show-off may be.

I like the AP Diver and own an AP ROO Black Themes myself which I have put on the great rubber strap.

I will have to disagree with the notion that AP is understated luxury. AP ROO watches are extremely flashy with a strong statement both in steel and RG - and the endless limited versions variants. Rolex sports watches are actually more subdued than ROO.

Fair enough but as someone wearing my lvc and driving my m3, I could not let that slide

I don't go on Instagram as I can't stand all the douchebags. Bragging about thier parents money etc. I prefer trf, rennlist, 6speed etc where you can converse and share with enthusiasts.

I must say having owned the 15400 it is quite a flashy piece. It received more attention than any of my rolex, PP, ALS etc. The diver ceramic was more low key but that's because it didn't have the shimmering bracelet to over

[texex91]

Originally Posted by Watch This

That all black AP is sick!!!!!. The OP wasn't about flash. Both AP and Rolex make some flashy pieces. It was about wearing what you want. AP is seriously high end but not as well known or easily identifiable as is Rolex. That was the main point of my thread. OMG that all black AP!!!!!!!

It's the black 44mm ceramic model...

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I don't go on Instagram as I can't stand all the douchebags. Bragging about thier parents money etc. I prefer trf, rennlist, 6speed etc where you can converse and share with enthusiasts. :

Exactly!

Cheers from my GMT and my X5
(There's a little bit of irony in this pic )




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[acarriles]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

First off all, when the time comes for me to get an AP, it will 100% be the AP Diver. The problem I have right now is that the AP Diver just does not have the versatility that the Rolex sport models do. I don't see myself ever "getting over" Rolex but I do know for sure that there's a difference when it comes to brands like AP, PP, and ALS.

I want so badly to love the classic AP Royal Oak but the Diver or the ROO are the pieces I drool over. They are just too sporty for me to make a one and only at this time.

I just wanted to chime in to say that since acquiring my AP Diver it has become my favorite watch ever. And I've had almost all SS sports models from Rolex, several JLC's, Glasshutte, Omega, Vacheron, Panerai and a few vintage others. What I love about the Diver is that you can completely change the look and feel of the watch with a strap change (much like PAM's).

Wear the Diver on the rubber strap and it is a great no-nonsense sports watch, with a tool watch feel. But add the incredible hornback alligator leather strap (black or brown) and it just comes up a couple of notches, looking smart and elegant, making it perfectly at home while wearing a suit (with a matching color shoes and belt). For something in-between, any-occasion look, try the Stainless Steel bracelet. Its like having three watches for the price of two...

So, for me, it is an extremely versatile watch. So much so, that the only time it has been off my wrist, is while traveling to different time zones, when I wear my Omega Speedmaster Solar Impulse GMT, or my soon to arrive Rolex BLNR.

Then again, I don't think I feel that it is the right watch to wear while working on the yard or mechanical work, but for that, there are plenty of beaters around.

Cheers!