First AP under 20k

[Razorbackrolex]

Hi all, looking to add my first AP. I would like to stay under 20k. Been looking at the black diver or the steel bezel offshore 42 like the elephant or maybe the blue. What do you guys think about these as a first AP? Im always torn on chronos because although i like the look of the subdials I do miss watching the sweep of a large seconds hand. My other watches are rolex 16600, BLNR, blue pelagos that i keep on rubber, and speedy. Thanks!

[AK797]

I'd go with a chrono with your collection, either a classic Panda/Silver Themes or Elephant.

[golfski]

I was recently in your shoes. I went with the Diver, white dial with blue accents, I have a DSSD, ExpII and 45mm Heuer01. Given your other watches sizes (mostly 40mm), the ROO Chrono might be too big - I like the size of the Diver - its 42mm but not too tall. Check out some comparisons of the width and height of ROO Diver vs. Chrono.

I wanted new, which I’ve seen black divers for as low as 18000 new on here and C24 and used ones down to 14000.

[systematic.entropy]

When I was in your shoes, I went Diver.

That sold me on AP. I got a ROO Havana shortly thereafter. Catching the AP bug is a thing.

[Burlington]

Navy or Havana 42s are great looking choices. But for a first AP you can’t go wrong with the diver.

[7sins]

My first AP was a ROO Safari. Loved it. Very versatile. I had the diver for a bit, sold it, didn't like having a rubber band and felt it was less versatile.

Now have a ROC that is my favorite but out of your price range.

[othertbone]

Wait 20k? We are talking USD right? Why not a Royal Oak 15500st brother? Forget the diver or ROO. The RO is a sport watch no doubt, but can also be dressed up. Pure class, you will love it!

[Potawatomi]

Originally Posted by othertbone

Wait 20k? We are talking USD right? Why not a Royal Oak 15500st brother? Forget the diver or ROO. The RO is a sport watch no doubt, but can also be dressed up. Pure class, you will love it!

I agree. Got the diver when I couldn't find a 15400. Though it would suffice but I ended up going grey on a 15400 anyway. The RO bracelet is what I really wanted, the octagonal bezel is the icing on the cake.

[Razorbackrolex]

I like the 15400 and the 15500 as well but up in that 22-25k range. Was hoping to do more like 16-18k. I may just need to take a bit and run the ole watch fund up a little longer.

[othertbone]

Originally Posted by Razorbackrolex

I like the 15400 and the 15500 as well but up in that 22-25k range. Was hoping to do more like 16-18k. I may just need to take a bit and run the ole watch fund up a little longer.

Yep add some funds and get the right AP. Don't settle for a diver just because you want AP and that is all you can afford. If you love the diver thats different, but get the RO!

[GB-man]

The AP selection really opens up with about 25k. I would save a touch longer.

[Kliminator]

Save some more and go for the 15400 or 15500

Here's one for 21.5 on the forums right now.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=680391

[MrEleven]

Depends what you like really. I liked th photos of the 15400 and my second pick was the diver but after trying both on I didn’t like how thin and flat the 15400 looked on me personally and preferred the chunkier diver. You really need to try a few on

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by othertbone

Yep add some funds and get the right AP. Don't settle for a diver just because you want AP and that is all you can afford. If you love the diver thats different, but get the RO!

Good advice, it is well worth it to get the RO.

[Rolex_G]

I'm in a similar position to OP and I'm seriously considering the Offshore Diver but surprised more people don't mention the Chrono version and it can be had for not much more. Am I missing something with these other than personal preference for chrono vs non-chrono?

RG.

[GB-man]

.

[golfski]

Originally Posted by Rolex_G

I'm in a similar position to OP and I'm seriously considering the Offshore Diver but surprised more people don't mention the Chrono version and it can be had for not much more. Am I missing something with these other than personal preference for chrono vs non-chrono?

RG.

If you mean the ROO Chrono, not ROC, then I went through this same thought. I actually started by passing over the Diver, wanted Chrono, but after seeing the size difference I went towards the Diver more. For my first AP, I wasn’t sure I wanted a HUGE watch and preferred the newer 44mm Chrono design over 42mm. Also, the Diver seems more versatile in style - its sporty but very classy looking with the clean dial compared to busy Chrono dial.

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by Rolex_G

I'm in a similar position to OP and I'm seriously considering the Offshore Diver but surprised more people don't mention the Chrono version and it can be had for not much more. Am I missing something with these other than personal preference for chrono vs non-chrono?



RG.

The diver chrono is a good looking watch, but less of a fan of the colour schemes available.

I can only recommend to the OP about trying on before buying - as per MrEleven, I had my heart set on a 15400 before getting the diver. The RO just didn’t work for me, but the APD grabbed me like nothing else before or since.

[BigBlue1]

I agree. Go for the Oak.

[blacke90]

Originally Posted by othertbone

Wait 20k? We are talking USD right? Why not a Royal Oak 15500st brother? Forget the diver or ROO. The RO is a sport watch no doubt, but can also be dressed up. Pure class, you will love it!

Would go for the 15500. Stop by your boutique and express interest. Probably can get it next year, worth the wait.

[Gotemandrew]

I think a Royal Oak is the way to go, I am pretty sure you can get a one under 20k. Good luck!

[Triumph_1200]

Went black diver for mine. Later added a bracelet and custom gator strap. I find it an extremely versatile piece. Really depends if you’re drawn to the proportions of the RO or the ROO. Like you I get disenchanted with a chrono, preferring the simplicity of three hands and a date. It’s more durable than people assume too (bezel and movement).