I'm personally not a fan of the ROO or the Aquanaut so I would go for the VC. However I would wait until they show the new Overseas next year, hopefully we'll see something at SIHH

 

Three distinctively different choices. Your surest bet it to choose according to your own personal tastes, and what truly catches your eye.

Trying to pick these based on objective factors is, in my view, a flawed exercise, because different people will give different weights to different objective criteria in their overall grading, based on, you guessed it: subjective preferences...

For instance: the VC Overseas is a HE forum darling, much like the Speedmaster on WUS... Also, anything on this forum bearing the name "Patek Philippe" will mostly be acclaimed and preferred to anything else. As for the ROO, it is sometimes derided, although plenty of people around here seem to have one...

If I were choosing: it would depend on the Overseas model you are considering. I live their Dual Time quite a bit, their 3-hander maybe a little, and their chrono not at all, because of the latter's asymmetric sub-dial layout (all three sub-dials have different sizes, which bugs me). I'm not a fan of the Offshore model line either (except perhaps the diver) and much prefer the simpler Royal Oak. As for the Aquanaut, it's just not my cup of tea.

Others will have completely different views, which is why YOUR VIEW is what matters: pick what you like the most and enjoy it!

 

I vote VC as best looking, but PP has the cache and wow factor.

 

I am not at all sold on the value of the Aquanaut (the name on the dial appears to cost a lot here). Aside from a display back on the movement, which while nice, also is not superb to look at, I cannot see the Aquanaut on a rubber strap is worth double the price of an Overseas. Personally, I'd opt for the Royal Oak as a sensible happy medium (and arguably slightly dressier equivalent of the Aquanaut for a lot less $). However, I'd definitely go for the Overseas over the Aquanaut for the price difference. The AP Offshore would not be on my radar screen as I personally find it ugly and does not reflect the classy vibe of the other options here.

 

I have owned all three, still own the Aquanaut (on bracelet) and OS 3 hander. I like all three watches but my favorite of the three is a the 5167. While the VC has one of, if not, the most comfortable bracelets the PP just feels perfect on MY wrist. I love the dial and the way light plays with it. In the end you can't go wrong and there is a significant premium for the PP.

 

Full disclosure, I have no direct experience with any, although I am considering the APROOS. I'd like to ask owners and prospective owners. What does this watch do for you? What makes it unique and gives it that wow factor versus others in your rotation? Perhaps I will go check it out in the metal, but I honestly don't see this piece making me happier than others in rotation. Thanks

 

I'm a big fan of Genta designs so the AP gets my attention right away. I like the hex heads on the bezel, which gives the watch a very unique look. There's no confusing it with any other watch out there. Fit and finish is right up there, as you would expect.

However, the ROO may be too big for you. I have a 7" wrist and tried on a 15400 RO (41mm) and it seemed to hang over the edges of my wrist. It didn't really, but definitely looked that way. And the ROO wears larger than its 42mm would suggest; its thickness adds to its visual heft. YMMV but only one way to know for sure...

 

I'll admit that I own none of these, but a close friend does own the AP (non-chronograph). Here's my two cents...

I really like the look of the AP in the flesh. It's distinctive, sporty, and edgy. Out of those three, it'd probably be the one I'd go for.

I'm also a big fan of the Patek. However, even though it's dressier than the AP, I don't think it'd be dressy enough to wear with a suit (IMHO). Therefore, I'd prefer to get a full-on Patek dress piece instead.

I'm afraid I'm not a huge fan of this VC model. I love some of their dress models though, and would possibly consider them ahead of a Patek dress piece.


Just my two cents though!

 

Easy choice for me: VC Overseas. May be too dressy for some occasions but a gorgeous watch and mega-comfortable.

Not a fan of the aesthetics of the Aquanaut. Overpriced for what it is but if you want the name...

If you're talking about the ROO diver, then maybe you're on to something. Especially if you get the bracelet at the same time; it really changes the watch. Much more than you would expect. Almost like two different watches when you go from strap to bracelet and back again.

 

I know this is a subjective and possibly polarizing topic, but I'm torn on which I want to pull the trigger on. I don't own a PP or VC yet, so I was leaning toward one of the two. Obviously the Aquanaut is the pricier of the two, but I assume it will retain its value better over time than the others.

You might want to go on WatchRecon and see where the grey and secondary markets price out your choices to get a better sense of value retention.

 

My thought: hie thyself to a watch store(s), try them on, and choose.

You haven't identified any traits, uses, collecting objectives, or personal preferences that suggest any one of them will be better or worse for you, so I don't have any way to suggest any one of them over the other for you. I would choose the Aquanaut, but that isn't assured to be the right choice for you.

All the best.

 

As many already stated they are all different watches. I have both the ROO and the aquanaut in rose gold, the ROO is obviously a more sporty watch but also very "overall", PP is a more elegant choice that goes well once you suit up. So I would think of what occasion you want to bring with your watch, if it's a more spare time type of watch, the ROO is your pick.

 

Could we see a pic of them side by side? RG Aquanaut is not something seen often -is it on rubber?

 

I have/had all three -

VC Overseas Chrono
PP Aquanaut
AP ROO Diver

I flipped the AP mainly due to comfort issues. It was too thick and heavy for my wrist. I love both the VC and the PP but if I had to choose one, it would be the Aquanaut. They are all nice pieces no matter what others say. Choose the one you like the most and more importantly, the one that fits your wrist and your lifestyle the best.

Happy hunting & Happy holidays!

 

I prefer large watch.
AP roo is my choice.

PP and VC, not for now

 

My case in point exactly. It really depends on your age and lifestyle. I think large divers are cool and fun when you're younger. My preferences have changed with age and lifestyle. I now prefer more discreet pieces that quietly slide under my cuffs and don't draw too much attention.

 

The Royal Oak is stunning, I have the 15400.



I bought this as I already have a Patek (in form of Calatrava).

I would rate the Royal Oak as a very high end luxury watch due to it's beautiful finishing, I hardly call it subtle. It's not a sturdy watch but could go well in formal dressy or casual set-up. How about also considering the Jumbo AP 15202.

The 3120 movement vs 324 Patek movement. Not sure if this is deal breaker for you. Both are beautifully displayed. The accessories and servicing would cost you more on the AP i guess.

I think all of your three choices would be one good choice nonetheless. Good luck.

 

Because you mentioned value retention, go for PP


@thehoracle

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Out of those 3 I would go PP however if it's an AP on a steel bracelet then AP.

 

Me personally I would go for the Patek,Ap seems like a step down(no offense)to patek and I havent really got into VC,best of luck!!!

 

ROO for me....love the look especially the 42mm divers.....

IF i was going to do PP it would be the nautilus and not the aquanaut

the VC overseas does nothing for me and in that case i would just buy a rolex daytona if a choice between the 2

 

I pulled the trigger a couple of weeks ago, and bought an Overseas with a white dial. I have had and sold the APRO, and never really got to like it, finding it clunky and lacking elegance. Especially disliked the crown, but that is a personal idiosyncrasy.

This VO is very elegant, and actually looks quite svelte on the wrist despite the fact that it is a couple of mms more than I prefer. It is comfortable, although marginally less than a Rolex oyster that I wear most of the time. In terms of fit and finish, it is extraordinary. Just what I would expect given the pedigree of the watch. Lume at night is excellent. Bracelet perhaps my favorite part, as design wise they have done a wonderful job of incorporating the Maltese Cross logo into it. Very accurate within a second day. Works as both an everyday watch, and borderline elegant enough to wear with a tux. Overall, I am very happy with it.

 

I don't own any, but FWIW I am in the market (not rushing though) for Nautilus, Royal Oak and Overseas. So, I tried them all (Nautilus was only available in the complication version). I liked Nautilus for the fit, however, I immediately fell in love with the white dial Royal Oak (15400). Nautilus was great but aesthetics-wise, Royal Oak appealed much better to me (the white dial in metal is just gorgeous). With Nautilus, I am not able to justify almost $10K variance in price, which can get you another nice high-end watch. Also add the fact that, finding one is super tough.

With Overseas, the dial is great (white dial , basic model), however, the rest of the watch doesn't seem to be on par with AP quality (I'm talking especially the hands, hour markers etc.). Also, no see-through case back is kind of a deal breaker.

So, of all three, I liked Royal Oak the most, aesthetically. However, I have three issues with it, before a purchase decision:

1. Movement and attention to detail look stunning, however 21600 bph seemed very low in real life. I didn't know this, before I tried one on. When the watch came to life in my hands, I couldn't believe how un-smooth the seconds hand looked. For a three-hand watch, sweeping seconds is something I really like, hence anything at or above 28800 bph looks great (heck even my Omega PO moves fantastic at 25200 bph). So, before I decide on this watch, I have to decide if I am OK with un-smooth seconds hand.

2. I read a lot of horror stories with cost and duration of the service of a Royal Oak. If I get one, I am planning to wear it pretty frequently. Not as a daily beater, but definitely more than a week per month. In this case, having no access to my watch for almost a year, every 5-6 years doesn't sound interesting. And all the while paying tons of money for that.

3. The image of the AP brand and its potential future concern me. PP and VC seem to have a traditional high-end image in the eyes of people of all ages (hence they are great watches to pass down to next generation). However, AP seems to be focusing on ever-changing, modern designs; mostly targeting a certain demographic, who would spend money for the sake of spending money.

So, at this point, I am not fully sold on any of the three, but kind of inclined to Royal Oak the most. Hope this helps.

 

I'm interested in what VC will do with a new Overseas this year.

Also, as a talking point to stimulate conversation: The Patek of today isn't up to the Patek of the past. After a dry spell, VC really seems to be renewing itself, PP, on the other hand...

Maybe a 40th anniversary Nautilus will change my mind.

Also: A Breguet Marine could easily be in the running as part of this conversation.