Getting ready to join the family...

[DoxaDavid]

I have been collecting watches for years and have quite a varied collection with everything from a $400 Hamilton to my YG Rolex GMT.

I appreciate fine horology and have had my eye on acquiring an AP for quite some time but for one reason or another, the timing just didn't work out but I think I am ready to pull the trigger soon.

The sticky on what to look for when purchasing a preowned AP was very informative and I believe gives great advice. I didn't realize how expensive a routine service was so even if you think you are getting a good deal, one has to figure in $2500-3500 for a service if the watch is around 5 years old.

I think I have narrowed down my choices to a Safari ROO, ROC with a brown dial or a Rubber Clad with a white dial.

I have read that the bezels are scratch magnets and costs a pretty penny to refinish which makes the rubber class seem like a nice choice but the cream dial on a Safari with that tan leather strap is such a great looking combo! When I look at my collection, I have been hunkering for something with a brown dial and/or case. I have been patiently waiting a year for Panerai to release the 386 which I think is a smashing combo but it looks like it may never happen so... Here I am.

Any thoughts, opinions or things I should consider before pulling the trigger?

Thanks for the input.

[MrJ320]

I think any of the APs you have on your shortlist are great choices. Of course I'm biased with the ROC though :) I love mine and I do try to be a bit more careful with it when I wear it, but I don't intentionally baby it any more than my other watches.

Personally I like the Safari more than the Rubberclad though between the 2 ROOs. Definitely looking forward to seeing which one you end up choosing.

Cheers,
James

[Andrés G]

Get the one who makes you smile the most and don't worry about the scratches. The Safari or the brown dial ROC would be my choices.

[DD GT3 RD]

Make sure you want a watch as big as a ROO and check out a RO too

[TSW]

Can't really go wrong with either one of them

[Dickson Lim]

The service is expensive, but I am pretty sure not even close to 2.5k. (Thomas may chime in)
For me, I will start with the Safari.

[HL65]

I am not sure where this service number is coming from but not even close. Is service higher for a vintage? Yes. Is it higher for every vintage for every company? Yes.
Here are your service charges below--like other high end companies: PP, ALS, JLC etc. it is very competitive($1,000-$1500). See link:

http://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/ser...ge=maintenance

[HL65]

PS--I love the Safari myself and am very partial to ROO's! They are truly substantial watches and have amazing wrist presence.

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

I am not sure where this service number is coming from but not even close. Is service higher for a vintage? Yes. Is it higher for every vintage for every company? Yes.
Here are your service charges below--like other high end companies: PP, ALS, JLC etc. it is very competitive($1,000-$1500). See link:

http://www.audemarspiguet.com/en/ser...ge=maintenance

Wow, that is nice to hear. Not that $1500 is cheap to service a watch but more palatable then $2500-3000.

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by DD GT3 RD

Make sure you want a watch as big as a ROO and check out a RO too

I wear predominantly larger sport watches so the ROO isn't too large. My Zenith Aero Defy is 46mm and my Bell & Ross is close. Think my Doxa T Graph is 44mm so no issue there.

In fact, I was a little worried with many AP's being 39mm as I think that is a bit small even though they seem to wear "big" but the Safari is 44 mm I believe which would be perfect.

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

PS--I love the Safari myself and am very partial to ROO's! They are truly substantial watches and have amazing wrist presence.

Love that look!

[HL65]

Thanks!!

[eric23]

Both sound like great options!

[Rollie2011]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

PS--I love the Safari myself and am very partial to ROO's! They are truly substantial watches and have amazing wrist presence.

I really dig that look!

I like the one that has a touch of red in it also.
Not sure the name or ref number

[h999r]

Getting ready to see your new AP on your wrist.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Rollie2011

I really dig that look!

I like the one that has a touch of red in it also.
Not sure the name or ref number

Thanks!

[carsebnic]

I am really partial to AP's hornback straps. I love the Safari combo of cream dial and brown hornback! Only drawback...no lume! Not a deal killer for many but I always found that odd on a "sports watch".
Carlos

[psv]

I adore the look and feel of the Safari but in my particular case the lack of lume (on a sport watch nonetheless) is a deal killer of for me.

I think the rubber clad is one of the coolest AP ROO's out there but seeing what else you have in the collection I think the ROC brown dial would be a very cool and suitable piece for you, it all depends on your personal vibe, style and environment.

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by psv

I adore the look and feel of the Safari but in my particular case the lack of lume (on a sport watch nonetheless) is a deal killer of for me.

I think the rubber clad is one of the coolest AP ROO's out there but seeing what else you have in the collection I think the ROC brown dial would be a very cool and suitable piece for you, it all depends on your personal vibe, style and environment.

I love the horn back strap and thought if I get the ROC w/ brown dial I would have to get the Safari strap to put on it.. Anyone else done this?

[TSW]

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

I love the horn back strap and thought if I get the ROC w/ brown dial I would have to get the Safari strap to put on it.. Anyone else done this?

The Safari strap won't fit the ROC, And there is no horn back straps for the RO line.

This one would be the closest to the Safari strap.

Standard BR.403.112.088CR CBEIGE
XS BR.403.442.088CR CBEIGE
XL BR.403.443.088CR CBEIGE