AP vs VC

[17noir]

I wanted to get your opinion, and experience with these models as I'm new to VC.

There's a couple of pieces that came across my radar recently, and couldn't decide since there's a price gap, and other considerations.

1) AP 25860st white dial, watch only and seems to have been serviced/polished. Would need to order 3-4 links from AP so that would be additional cost. Love the 39mm size, perfect for my wrist.

2) VC 49150 Deepstream, brand new, full set. I haven't tried it on as this is private sale. Love the grey dial, but 42.5mm might be a bit bigger than I prefer.

There's a 70% price difference between these 2 watches. I love AP, and their older chrono, but seems like the VC is good value in comparison.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by 17noir

I wanted to get your opinion, and experience with these models as I'm new to VC.

There's a couple of pieces that came across my radar recently, and couldn't decide since there's a price gap, and other considerations.

1) AP 25860st white dial, watch only and seems to have been serviced/polished. Would need to order 3-4 links from AP so that would be additional cost. Love the 39mm size, perfect for my wrist.

2) VC 49150 Deepstream, brand new, full set. I haven't tried it on as this is private sale. Love the grey dial, but 42.5mm might be a bit bigger than I prefer.

There's a 70% price difference between these 2 watches. I love AP, and their older chrono, but seems like the VC is good value in comparison.

For me, a polished RO w/o documentation and missing links would need to be a really good deal or a unicorn I've been searching forever. Nothing more sad than a steel RO with bezel that was polished by amateurs (which covers a good fraction of older models out there).

The VC looks sharp, but if it's a RO you want, not sure if "settling" is a smart move in the long term.

[17noir]

Thanks for your thoughts on this, this is something that my gut is telling me. I would probably regret if I settled with another watch. I am sure some collectors has went down this path only buy the watch they want at the end.

[huncho]

VC are great watches and value (although going up now) but as mentioned, if you want a RO there can only be one. i'd stay away from polished ones as well unless it was done through AP

[Benzsiam]

Don’t settle for second choice because of the price, always go for what you really love it.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by benzsiam

don’t settle for second choice because of the price, always go for what you really love it.

+1

[Sleepy996]

AP all day.

[cascavel]

Considering that they both have the same movement and the quality of construction is the same the only issues are price, condition and size. I've owned both and sold the APs in favor of what I viewed to be the more durable and legible VC. The quirky characteristics of the 12 o'clock big date and the oversized minute counter of the VC make it an acquired taste while the high degree of legibility makes it suitable for someone who actually uses a chronograph.
However, if you're anxious to pay more in order to run with the herd of Royal Oak and Daytona buyers, then the 25860 is the obvious choice.

[Sleepy996]

Forget the herd mentality the RO is just a better looking watch all around from strap to case design. I have nothing but love for VC and have been seriously tempted over the years to add one to the collection but it always falls short of AP. Just my humble opinion.

[WatchEater666]

If the AP was polished by anyone other than AP, then it's a no-go IMO. Keep in mind even if AP does the polishing, there's only so many times you can polish an RO before it starts to show really badly.

[GB-man]

Give me the VC here

[Simon.DGV]

Originally Posted by 17noir

I wanted to get your opinion, and experience with these models as I'm new to VC.

There's a couple of pieces that came across my radar recently, and couldn't decide since there's a price gap, and other considerations.

1) AP 25860st white dial, watch only and seems to have been serviced/polished. Would need to order 3-4 links from AP so that would be additional cost. Love the 39mm size, perfect for my wrist.

2) VC 49150 Deepstream, brand new, full set. I haven't tried it on as this is private sale. Love the grey dial, but 42.5mm might be a bit bigger than I prefer.

VC makes great watches, but the resale value.. or resellability is very bad almost toxic. I almost bought VC but changed my mind to Rolex Daytona instead.

There's a 70% price difference between these 2 watches. I love AP, and their older chrono, but seems like the VC is good value in comparison.

VC resale ability is toxic, will likely remain toxic in our lifetime. I love the design but avoided VC and bought Rolex Daytona instead.

[Simon.DGV]

Originally Posted by Sleepy996

AP all day.

Imagine if you bought a watch 4 years ago for $30,000 at retail , treated with respect, offered champagne every time visiting the boutique; no bad attitude, always answer your questions; and now can sell for $100k. Would you be so loyal to the brand?

I would say AP not only look after me, but makes me feel extremely lucky every time I wear AP.

[Simon.DGV]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

If the AP was polished by anyone other than AP, then it's a no-go IMO. Keep in mind even if AP does the polishing, there's only so many times you can polish an RO before it starts to show really badly.

AP Royal Oak has sharp edges that need professional polishing tool to be done by authorized watch maker. Do not try at home..it’s dangerous.

[Simon.DGV]

I love my Pateks and Rolex, but AP is my darling

[17noir]

Thanks for all your input. At the end of the day buy what you like. I found a perfect 26120ST from 2015 that was recently serviced (with warranty remaining) and I couldn't be happier. The size and weird layout of the dial makes it so interesting. Not sure why this model is not as popular as the 3 hands or chronos.

[gregouille]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Don’t settle for second choice because of the price, always go for what you really love it.

Best advice you can hear !

[EEpro]

Between those two I like the AP better. I prefer my 3rd gen chrono to either.

[vdm9]

YOLO

Get both!!!

[Zavier]

I had an 26405ce and a VC 4500v which have smudges underneath the crystal. Both were still within warranty period and i sent both of them to the service center.

VC said it's not covered under warranty.
AP did a complete service and the crystal was perfect afterwards.

Guess which brand I'll support/recommend?