AP 15400 vs Daytona C

[wei915]

I currently own an AP 15400 silver dial as my only watch. Even though I love just about everything on the AP, I find myself lusting for a White Daytona C as well. The White Daytona C is just as sporty and classy as the AP, and the servicing costs are relatively less expensive and the watch is more scratch resistant too. I could only get the Daytona C by trading away my AP.

Could anyone share their thoughts if this trade makes sense?

[Notsoprobro]

Have you tried the daytona on? If not that would be my first recommendation. If it speaks to you, go for it. Ultimately if you find yourself thinking about something and you have valid reasoning (which you do) then its worth exploring.

The daytona is a better everyday watch imo.

[AK797]

The AP is more classy altho the Daytona is a sweet piece, and relatively speaking to their retail price, servicing the AP is cheaper, so make sure you really want to make the trade because it sounds like you are forcing it.

[Yellowfury]

i hope this isn't a controversial view but i wouldn't trade an AP for a daytona.

[macrowatch]

I'd try to add or go up to the 116519LN instead of a straight swap to SS. I love the Daytona and I love it more than a 15400 AP, but I wouldn't make that trade.

Either way, this feels like a one way door that's hard to undue, so make sure you love the SS Daytona. Luckily you can try on sample pieces in Singapore to help make up your mind...

[2nastie]

Originally Posted by wei915

I currently own an AP 15400 silver dial as my only watch. Even though I love just about everything on the AP, I find myself lusting for a White Daytona C as well. The White Daytona C is just as sporty and classy as the AP, and the servicing costs are relatively less expensive and the watch is more scratch resistant too. I could only get the Daytona C by trading away my AP.

Could anyone share their thoughts if this trade makes sense?

100% Exactly the same situation (well... less so the cost, more so the size).

Guess what? I swapped my 15400 for the Daytona.

I don't regret it, but I will certainly add an AP in the future either the 15450 or 15202 for size purposes. It comes down to what you will wear more.

[calh22a]

I have a 15500 grey and DaytonaC. IMHO both very different beasts. If you can swing it, get both. I couldn’t imagine letting either one go.

[JWD531]

Originally Posted by Notsoprobro

Have you tried the daytona on? If not that would be my first recommendation. If it speaks to you, go for it. Ultimately if you find yourself thinking about something and you have valid reasoning (which you do) then its worth exploring.

The daytona is a better everyday watch imo.

I saw one in person once (spoken for) and it was somewhat underwhelming.

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by JWD531

I saw one in person once (spoken for) and it was somewhat underwhelming.

I have mixed feelings on it personally, but my point was more along “try it before you commit to the trade.”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BevoHorns]

I’ve had an AP 15400, 26124 on steel and a 15202 before they doubled in price. I have a BLNR now and 16800 sub for my daily wearer. The APs bracelet is a piece of art in the way it interacts with light but it was not nearly as comfortable to me as an oyster. Size-wise 39mm is perfect (ie 15202 and 26124) but 40mm rolex is damn close. I found the 15400 a bit too big. All that being said, I find the Daytona function useless but I understand the history and appeal.

That probably doesn’t help you much but I would list what traits are most important to me (ie size, comfort, look, cost, function) and rate each one. The winner will emerge. Out of the two, Id go DaytonaC white dial and look forward to a 39mm Royal Oak in the future.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Collector2019]

I wouldn’t use 15400 as one and only watch. Too, I wouldn’t trade 15400 for a Daytona.

I think you need an everyday watch and leave AP for special occasions and weekends.

Tudor good option for everyday watch if budget a bit tight?

[Nikrnic]

Originally Posted by JWD531

I saw one in person once (spoken for) and it was somewhat underwhelming.

I get the attraction but same here..nbd.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[supersam80]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

I wouldn’t use 15400 as one and only watch. Too, I wouldn’t trade 15400 for a Daytona.

I think you need an everyday watch and leave AP for special occasions and weekends.

Tudor good option for everyday watch if budget a bit tight?

Agree with all of this, and maybe a speedmaster if needing a less expensive everyday watch

[denmanproject]

As a previous owner of both I would 100% do it, just be aware it wears significantly smaller

[MSchott]

The Rolex is a fine piece and well made but the AP is in a different class as far as fit and finish. It’s also even more iconic.

[inadeje]

I chose the AP 26331 ST Panda dial over the white dial DaytonaC. As I have the black dial DaytonaC I found the AP to be a better value proposition at 24k over the 24k grey price Daytona. The AP is a stunning watch and offers similar chrono dial aesthetics and that truly beautiful bracelet. Arguably the most amazing bracelet on any wrist watch.

[steeevvvooo]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

I wouldn’t use 15400 as one and only watch. Too, I wouldn’t trade 15400 for a Daytona.

I think you need an everyday watch and leave AP for special occasions and weekends.

Tudor good option for everyday watch if budget a bit tight?

Agree with this and also the other poster suggesting a Speedmaster. There is a nice coaxial version too which resembles the Daytona if you like that look.

Save the AP for more special accessions and buy at least one other cheaper daily

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[djyolky]

I wouldn't do it. The AP is a finer watch. But that's my opinion. Do what you think is right. But try the watch on first.

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[037]

Originally Posted by wei915

The White Daytona C is just as sporty and classy as the AP, and the servicing costs are relatively less expensive and the watch is more scratch resistant too.

Daytona service costs are $1200 USD plus. Factor that in if you're thinking "less expensive" is important.

And, as nice as the stainless Daytona is, I would only buy one at retail. It's worth it at that price. It's not worth $25k.

[wei915]

Originally Posted by 2nastie

100% Exactly the same situation (well... less so the cost, more so the size).

Guess what? I swapped my 15400 for the Daytona.

I don't regret it, but I will certainly add an AP in the future either the 15450 or 15202 for size purposes. It comes down to what you will wear more.

Did you had to put in more cash for the trade? I’ve approached some SS Daytona dealers/private sellers and it seems that I have to put in additional cash for the trade to be considered.

Given that the Daytona has a lower level of finishing compared to the AP, it seems like a bad idea to offer up the Ap and cough up more cash for the trade.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[KWSub]

Although they are technically only 1mm apart in size, the 15400 feels at least 3-4mm larger than the 116500LN, in my opinion. One thing to take into consideration.

[N&M]

I have SS 15400 and WG Daytona.
My recommendation is too keep 15400
Daytona is perfect, but for retail price.

[037]

Originally Posted by KWSub

Although they are technically only 1mm apart in size, the 15400 feels at least 3-4mm larger than the 116500LN, in my opinion. One thing to take into consideration.

Technically they are about that far apart. The ceramic Daytona measures 38.5mm at the bezel and the 15400 is 41mm. Even though that's 2.5mm, it's becomes a night-and-day difference on the wrist overall.

Rolex says it's 40mm but it's not. That's why so many say the Daytona wears small.

[GB-man]

Sure why not. Keep one thing in mind. Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy a watch you paid over retail for. Ask me how I know lol

[danwang0520]

i'm not a big fan of AP, so yes, make the trade.......but buy what sings to you

the ap looks more industrial look and the daytona looks more sleek, but both are great sports watch each to his own league

[Batmannr1]

Originally Posted by 037

Technically they are about that far apart. The ceramic Daytona measures 38.5mm at the bezel and the 15400 is 41mm. Even though that's 2.5mm, it's becomes a night-and-day difference on the wrist overall.

Rolex says it's 40mm but it's not. That's why so many say the Daytona wears small.

+1
Daytona would be perfect if it was 2 mm bigger. The dial, hands and subdials are not very legible for my degrading eyes. The 15400 is of a superiour class (especially the RO bracelet).

[wei915]

Thank you all for your insights. I’ve approached a few sellers and most of them aren’t interested in the trade without me putting in significantly more cash. Looks like I’ll keep the AP and get the Daytona C when the grey prices are more palatable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Frits1980]

I have both. Totaly different watches and sizes. Daytona could be a daily i guess but isnt ideal imo. The RO is a more delicate watch so again for a daily not recommended. If you realy love the daytona, dont want 2 watches or the RO size became an issue i would do the trade. RO is different/higher level do. Personaly i wouldnt. I would keep the RO for the weekends and add a speedmaster (if you want a chrono) or exp1 (if you want a rolex) for my daily. Also keep in mind inflated pricing on the Daytona. The daytona is a 12k watch and looks/feels like a 12k watch. The RO is a 20k watch and looks/feels like a 20k watch.

[Mike Jab]

I would purchase the Daytona C at retail when possible - not a single cent more than MSRP.

[Watchflair]

Just completely different pieces - both with such iconic designs and history behind them. Really a tough call. Only move here it to try one on and see how it feels.