Rolex vs AP - as a watch brand

[Sammk]

As a watch brand where do you consider AP as compared to Rolex? Is it the same league? I hear some people say that they are different leagues while others consider it to be the same.

[Fort Rolex]

Love Rolex but AP is a notch up when you look at brands as if they were a pyramid chart

[Ace2Rolex]

Originally Posted by Fort Rolex

Love Rolex but AP is a notch up when you look at brands as if they were a pyramid chart

Anyone interested in elaborating on this?

[locutus49]

I think Rolex is more reliable and durable, but AP's have finer, more decorated movements. Many consider AP to be haute horology.

[GsurgBM]

I've never been a huge fan of the octagon. Just don't care for their design. I'm sure they are nice watches. I'd rather have Rolex 100 to 1.

[AK797]

Love both brands, I think at the SS level APs and their bracelets are slightly more refined altho less durable and reliable and their dials do not sunburst as beautifully, but at the PM level Rolex esp on bracelet is on a par with AP as I think my pic demonstrates.

[bayerische]

Above Rolex.

[bio guyver]

For most I think the top three are 1-rolex 2- patek philippe 3- Ap. But rolex rules. rolex all the way.

[Chewbacca]

subjective.

but i prefer their tradition collection over RO models.

their movements seem superior to rolex and i believe they only make like 1/10th what rolex does so they're rarer in the wild.

gotta get off the special ed's however.

[GB-man]

Depends what you're looking for in a brand. AP has demonstrated an ability to produce very complicated pieces and has some of the finest casework in the industry. Rolex has demonstrated an incredible ability to produce watches at volume completely in house that are strikingly accurate and extremely resilient.

Both are fantastic but generally I put AP an entire rung above Rolex. That said, I often buy rolex because they suit my needs.

[Ravager135]

I was always under the impression that AP was up there with PP, ALS, and VC. I do not own any haute horology pieces but would love to hear what more experts think.

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I was always under the impression that AP was up there with PP, ALS, and VC. I do not own any haute horology pieces but would love to hear what more experts think.

Correct. Holy trinity is considered AP, VC, Patek.

ALS has great movements but is still a bit too new.

As for OP's question, I have and love both...they are great for different reasons. For name and everyday use, the Rolex wins hands down. As for league, I suppose the best way I can compare would be Rolex would be like a Benz. AP would be a Lambo. Coincidentally from what I see, generally you will see a luxury car driver (let's say Audi, BMW, MB for ease) wearing a Rolex. Ferrari/Lambo owners will more likely have an AP on.

[joli160]

AP is not for me, don't find the models appealing

[superdog]

As a brand: I've got more respect for AP. I don't like the hubbub of Rolex.

But I like Rolex watches much better.

[codecow]

AP is in a different tier in terms of their mastery of grand complications, skeletonized movements, decorated movements, case finishing, and their exploration of new materials like forged carbon. They also are older than Rolex, 1875 versus 1905. AP makes very few pieces annually in comparison to Rolex.

Rolex has different advantages and obviously their most timeless designs are older than AP's Royal Oak.

[landroverking]

I love Rolex most of all, but I know they are not in the top five of greatest watch brands. I would place AP in that group.

[subtona]

Durability vs Beauty

[Mainewatchman]

Originally Posted by bio guyver

For most I think the top three are 1-rolex 2- patek philippe 3- Ap. But rolex rules. rolex all the way.

Come on. Rolex is a great watch but does not come close to PP and AP.

[nick c]

Both are great and Ap to service very expansive good luck

[Le Chef]

Look at the pedigree, the finishing work on the movements, on cases and bracelets, and AP is a country mile ahead. The durability argument is BS - own an AP and they withstand everything a normal person would do with a Rolex. Serving costs - marginally higher than for Rolex: but over the 5-7 year interval if that differential is critical to you, you probably should think about a cheaper hobby. Ask people on the AP forum if you want a real answer as opposed to one that's been made up by a non-owner.

[mike]

Since you're asking about AP why not ask in the AP forum???

[texex91]

I'll make it simple.

Rolex makes about 1,000,000 watches per year.
AP makes about 35,000 watches per year.

Go try one on and you'll get it. Always good to have both however in the rotation.

These threads never go anywhere, but best answer I could provide.

[Cabaiguan]

AP and Rolex are two different leagues...movements and finishing are a notch above at AP.

[TheMethod]

Well the finishing and quality of my AP's (old and new) are above the Rolexes (old and new). I love Rolex but AP is a cut above.

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by texex91

I'll make it simple.

Rolex makes about 1,000,000 watches per year.
AP makes about 35,000 watches per year.

Go try one on and you'll get it. Always good to have both however in the rotation.

These threads never go anywhere, but best answer I could provide.

Agree. I am fortunate enough to own both. There is something really special about a 15202 or 15400 Royal Oak. Case dimensions aside, it is a direct descendant of one of the most important watches ever made.

That said, both have their attributes. But once you put a Royal Oak on you really appreciate the differences.

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by subtona

Durability vs Beauty

That's actually a very nice and concise way of putting it

[Jakx]

AP does some of the most complex complications, Rolex doesn't. It's really comparing apples and oranges.

[Archangellight]

Price above rolex. AP is very good at design. Include rotor and movement decoration. But their durability, i bet rolex is better.

If you could only have one watch, get a rolex.

[rangercadre]

i have a rolex and are looking to get an AP in the near future, AP is a notch better than rolex in terms of finishing and movement

[zama]

AP finer detailing
Rolex more durable
Rolex mass produced, AP semi mass produced.......

Different pieces like both......

Oh and AP definitely in a different league, go have a look at the case back on both........ there is only one movement to be seen, then you can get into the complications debate.....