Rolex Daytona vs AP Royal Oak Chronograph; Audemars Piguet 26331ST.OO.1220ST.02 vs 116500LN

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Hi all, sorry about the thumbnail with this one. I created and set a custom slide, but KZbin doesn't always do as it's told. THANK YOU for viewing and supporting my video in spite of this shortcoming! Best, Tim

[@Beer990i]

Most people will go for daytona because resale price in future and can be known by others. For me AP for sure because it is more value in term of craftsmanship and the size is suite me. Moreover, i like AP case more than rolex case

[@waynekim6363]

AP on another level from the Daytona

[@MrRea112]

The AP with a blue dial does it for me. There also probably are fewer around compared to the Daytona, which incidentally is gorgeous.

[@shingfungtse1594]

i like the AP 38mm chorno with silver dial and blue sub dial.

[@mols0n]

If we are going with MRSP then I feel like the Rolex wins (although I prefer the Panda); but good luck getting one at retail. Secondary prices, the AP wins hands down.

[@karlomcastro]

I understand that the AP RO is better finished and considered "Haute Horlogerie." Going on looks alone, I prefer the Daytona. Plus I'm not a fan of watches with the date apperture squeezed between 4 & 5 o'clock. You are right, Tim. Rolex got this one right. Not that it matters as these are virtually impossible to get and I'm not paying double the list. Cheers!

[@eliransabak1447]

So you prefer no date?... AP got the looks as well

[@karlomcastro]

@@eliransabak1447... just on this particular battle. I usually like watches with date but either on the 3 o'clock or 6. Yes, you are absolutely correct. The AP has the looks as well but I have to go with what I like better. Cheers!

[@eliransabak1447]

@@karlomcastro cheers

[@andrewbrown5636]

The Daytona lacks wrist presence and everyone has one.. the AP is the watch you buy when you’ve done the Rolex ‘phase’

[@andrewbrown652]

Really I can'tget one after 2yrs so not everybody has one mate Ap chrono can't compete with Daytona not even close..its Rolex bread and butter piece for a reason..many reasons as a matter of fact

[@MrSuperior13]

On the money Andrew 👌

[@robertn3121]

I own both as well as the Nautilus. Not an apples v apples comparison. Both of the Gentaesque pieces are beautiful, but are limited in all but appearance. Function and versatility are owned by the Daytona...

[@charlolbj23]

@Andrew Brown what are you talking about AP can’t compete with the daytona? AP is universally regarded as being more prestigious than rolex lol... and besides that the AP is also better in every objective measure. Better finishing, better movement, thinner case, and even has an extra function (date, which daytona doesn’t have).

[@robertn3121]

And Patek is the watch you buy when you’ve done the AP phase...

[@Youngesey]

If we're talking about the investment. I'd say the Daytona for short term but for long term I'd honestly say in my humble opinion Audemars piguet. Don't get me wrong the Daytona is a great watch but it's not comparable to Audemars piguet chronograph.

[@larrydunn4626]

Daytona is the one Rolex that will, more than submariner, more than GMT, increase in value over the years. There's just something about that $17.5M for Newman's that makes it an icon. The Royal Oak Chrono will never be an icon as it isn't even an in-house movement, unlike the Royal Oak 15500 which IS an icon.

[@dumpnchase]

Both are beauty’s. No wrong choice. Daytona is the winner for me. The black face and ceramic bezel are so nice.

[@timyeomanify]

Just pulled trigger on the AP chrono. Quality and (imo) Form is next level. The Rolex price pyramid scheme is a whole nother issue. Who wants to pay double/ triple retail and just line ADs connections pockets. Crazy. It is unsustainable.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thanks Tim! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of your new AP. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here's the link: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-26331ST-OO-1220ST-02.html Thanks in advance!

[@986C]

Daytona black dial any day of the week. Stunning.

[@sutats]

The higher water resistance, longer power reserve, COSC certification, and technically more corrosion resistant steel of the 116500LN does it for me.

[@larrydunn4626]

none of that relates to art, or the beauty of the watch. You aren't going to use the chronograph anyway. I'll bet 99% of Daytona or Royal Oak Chrono owners don't use the chrono more than once per year, and it has nothing to do with timing auto racing laps.

[@kingarchnyc]

Look, size, date and push button made the ap a winner imho The only minor issue that bugs me is the unequal sub dials...

[@LuisOrtizMBA]

I don't understand how people forgive AP and Patek Philippe for a lack of basic features like hacking seconds or pin-and-collar links (Nautilus). When other brands do that, they get flamed on forums and comment sections but for AP and PP, it doesn't matter. Maddening.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

To be fair, AP spend an enormous amount of time and money on the case and bracelet of this watch. The Rolex features stop seconds, but it's also made largely by machines. Also, if your **were** to crack open the AP, you'd see that the veteran F. Piguet caliber is finished to a much higher standard than Rolex's 4130. The Royal Oak is no technology leader, but its price has a firm basis in manual refinement. Best, Tim

[@andrewbrown652]

@@the1916companywatchreviews No in house movement for the AP is a deal breaker...

[@andrewbrown652]

@@the1916companywatchreviews Rolex has history quality accuracy and the bezel will stand the test of time easy decision...

[@americanjedi5721]

AP Spanx Rolex.

[@MrDaymien1]

Love the AP but dont want the running or not running cost. Rolex for the win

[@michaelcipriano5803]

Both equally stunning & timeless !!

[@jacc88888]

Daytona to wear on the wrist, AP to gaze at for hours - it reeks of quality - astonishing case,dial and bracelet finishing.

[@colewalliser]

Literally the best watch review I have ever seen / heard. Sub from me. And my vote goes to AP which I am trying to find now!!

[@danielangeldicapua4411]

Por qué AP RO vale el doble que Daytona? Es obvio que porque es mejor. Y no solo por tener fecha. Además, Daytona se ha convertido en el reloj de las mujeres. Es muy pequeño! Voy, claro por el APRO. Y ahora el RO tiene movimiento propio, que es el del Code 11:59.

[@hikingpipes6911]

I like to AP. Nice review and comparison. I away like to see these types of comparison videos. One critique... The AP is octagonal instead of hexagonal.

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Craig Ross the bolts are hexagonal.

[@yenpham2563]

I don’t even know why there’s a comparison. Rolex is for the masses

[@emadb8380]

I would go for the Daytona, the only Royal Oak I like is the time only 15400 black dial. Great video as always Tim...

[@986C]

The black dial Daytona is amazing. Would kill to have one. The white dial Daytona looks like a woman’s watch.

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Love both watches , but the fact the AP doesn’t have micro adjustment clasp I’d have the Daytona, when a watch doesn’t fit perfect it can be annoying . Still an awesome watch.

[@mattwasilewicz9677]

At least the AP should start having an in house movement now for the chrono. Once that happens, at retail pricing I would give my vote to the AP. However as this comparison stands, my vote goes to the Daytona, assuming we are talking retail.

[@jimmyjay122]

Matt Wasilewicz The movement was made by Frédérique Piguet. It’s not “not on house” in the conventional sense. And when they do give it the 100% in-house movement already in the 11.59 expect a hike in list price. I’m not going to even mention what I think of the Daytona. The fact that it’s at 50% the price of the chrono AP and 65-70% the price of the time date should be enough.

[@eduardovillalon7496]

Now it does, and I just bought mine! 🥰

[@logwind]

Anyone else prefer the black 116500 to the white?

[@diabew]

I owned both The black is more elegant

[@dereks66]

Nope. But the black is very nice too.

[@BattleRattle4x4]

i did before i started to wear a white one and it grew on me. now i prefer it.

[@rootedrotor525]

Not at first, but I do now.

[@Longshore79]

Black for me. The white looks like a ladies watch

[@impexRQ]

I don’t know who honestly will take the Daytona over the AP ... I really don’t see anyone taking a mass produced Daytona vs a hand crafted machine like the AP

[@jimmyjay122]

Rodrigo Quintero Bejarano it’s mind boggling. The fact that these 2 are being compared is beyond my understanding. However thank goodness that the RO is not appealing to the masses.

[@larrydunn4626]

the same people who will not buy a hand crafted car, but prefer one made with precision in a factory. Hand made Rolls Royce cars from three decades ago were a reliability disaster the day they left their hand making salon.

[@BenTramer]

I'm torn...never been a fan of the tachymeter bezel...but 50m water resistance is weak for the AP RO...but the AP RO is just a better looking watch

[@Koru-Health]

I would prefer the new AP 38mm chrono over the 41.

[@aaronmunro5818]

The Daytona is simply prettier and more refined/classic. And when you know both watches are so well made, it comes down to looks. Also, that slanted, off-center date window on the AP kills the dial. Would look so much better without the date.

[@jimmyjay122]

Aaron Munro “refined and classic” that’s a good one. Daytona looks like a shiny wrench in a tool box compared to this AP in real life. Forget the videos and pictures. Daytona is so disappointing in real life. And I have yet to see a video or a picture that does the Royal Oak any justice. When you hold them both next to each other and try them on you will understand. Or maybe you don’t... doesn’t really matter. Also the video maker is also a watch seller. And he makes a lot more money selling the Rolex at double its MSRP. For him compare these 2 together is just to make the Rolex buyer feel better about buying mid range watch that he thinks is comparable to a high end one.

[@vincenzostr4488]

I like AP because of the date window

[@chunkuilau9984]

I want both.

[@repulsebayhk]

Fast forward two years and a recession later, the Rolex is now worth 3x MSRP and the AP nearly 2x...

[@cyrussataravalla6731]

Ma786sai Dua mine is a yellow solid gold Daytona 2006 Ref 115628 blackface with diamond dot hour markers. My friend has a 2008 AP chronograph Royal oak steel with the silvery white dial. Do you believe exchanging my gold Daytona blackface with a steel AP Royal oak chronograph silvery dial is a bad or good idea?

[@kruijerfoods]

From the video it seems Rolex is the overall better, more versatile watch.. which imho is also ecstatically more pleasing. So despite the Daytona not having a date the choice is easy. Besides, why would I be paying almost twice the money??! :cheers:

[@jlo8775]

Good match up....the Daytona is simply outclassed here...the only thing that irks me about the AP is the “automatic” font on the dial.

[@uclanaldo]

I am a big fan of the Royal Oak. I absolutely love that watch. It’s a near perfect design. But I gotta say that I don’t love the chrono versions. It’s like taking something perfect, like the Mona Lisa, and putting a hat on her. On the other hand, for Rolex, this is their opus. I’d have to take Rolex on this one. Great video, as always, Tim!

[@excellentlistner5925]

WOW, Fantastic review! What a Great comparison. For the 1st time I find the AP attractive. I would pick the Daytona only because I believe more people would recognize it and less expensive new (if you can find one). Thanks for a great review

[@MrCristianeaki]

Hi... very good video.... i like a lot.... Just a question.... if I have understood you say that these are two good watches, no doubt about it, but in the end rolex "wins" just a little in terms of mechanics and precision... Is it right? Thank you!!!!

[@machaineyoutubeaxel]

Which one is the most solid?

[@msbrownbeast]

The Royal Oak design is impractical with integrated bracelet and sharp angular edges and corners all over. It doesn't appear to be as robust as the Rolex. It's more like a piece of jewelry rather than a sports watch. As as expensive as the Daytona is, the ROC is even more costly.

[@whatsup4616]

Ill take the Daytona any day of the week and twice on Sunday🙏🏾

[@jimmyjay122]

Watches Sneakers it’s half the price...

[@manpreetkandola]

great review. hand down best watch reviewer in the world!!!

[@dechalertsumitkul8066]

All being equal I think Rolex will fit me better. But to get a Rolex you have to buy a second Rolex which is ridiculous. So I think I will get the AP but in the 38 mm

[@michaeldemaio3601]

The ceramic bezel on the Daytona was an ingenious move by Rolex. As good as the Rolex is I would still have to lean AP. A little worried about the Frederick piquet movement, I thought AP was all in house by now. Tell ya the truth the VC overseas has it all over both of these fine watches.

[@larrydunn4626]

so does Moser, Piaget, Lange, etc. The AP is all about the case design. The Daytona is all about Paul Newman, and is made on an assembly line.

[@andrewwongwt]

Definitely AP man, AP is in another class. Its like you are comparing a chanel handbag to a hermes birkin

[@Wagalipon]

Here’s a shorter version of the comparison. If you’re rich, get the Daytona. If you’re super rich, get the ROC.

[@andrei2023]

I'm not Rolex fan, but here I go to Daytona 🥇🏆🌝👑🤓

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Seems like the Daytona has some charm! - WatchBox Team

[@nicholasalonso6066]

Rolex.... is the winner for me...

[@wilde1x]

All solid info, no fluff. Thanks

[@rajivnaidu6021]

Daytona hands down

[@hosinooji]

i will not pay this much of money to buy a watch that without inhouse movement, i vote for Daytona

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Another one for Daytona it is! - WatchBox Team

[@vangeloalmazan4799]

Wait what? The AP RO is not in house? I think I miss that in the video.

[@donnachelsey1003]

Man. You wss rite on all levels abiut. This. The orice. And. Craftman shop you really know. So munch. Love thiis vid. And how. You put. Things.

[@ialienam]

38mm royal oak from SIHH is almost perfect for me since I have a small wrist size. But I just so don’t get it why they don’t have own in house movement. Given code 11.59 gets own flyback chronograph movement, do u guys think it will be something on 41mm or 38mm RO down the track?

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thickness has been an issue for a while. The AP base caliber and module in the Offshore present more "manufacture" watchmaking than the ROC's 1185, but the modular chronograph with the 3126 base wouldn't fit in a Royal Oak Chronograph. We'll see if the 4401 from the 11:59 makes the jump. Having seen it, I'm still not sure that it will fit in the narrow case of the current 26331. Best, Tim

[@philip790518]

Great video from Tim as always. Daytona hands down for me, however.

[@FirestormAA]

Daytona for me

[@menaseven9093]

I am making the emotional choice like you Tim I choose the Audemars Piguet. The AP dial and bracelet are more beautiful then the Rolex.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Go with what moves your heart! - WatchBox Team

[@AlexanderTheGreatX]

Can’t go wrong with both I will pick the AP

[@RealityShowBuff1]

As long as the Rolex Daytona does NOT have a date it'll never be worth owning, AP wins just off of that.

[@BattleRattle4x4]

***puts down phone, looks at my daytona*** "oh, how will i ever find out what day it is?!?!!? this thing is soo not worth owning..."

[@mikechan2942]

@@BattleRattle4x4 not paying 100% over retail when everyone and his dad owns a rolex

[@BattleRattle4x4]

meh...... get a better relationship with your AD.the 3 steel daytonas in my family were all retail.

[@mikechan2942]

@@BattleRattle4x4 how to get a better relationship with AD? buying more from them? that's part of the cost already

[@lloydm5562]

Paying this sort of money, I'd want something special. AP does that. Rolex is just too common. I also find recent Rolex to have become gross. Promo writing all over their watches to start.. At least with Datona one avoids supercase and cyclops, but who needs a chronograph anyway.

[@matthiasheuberger952]

That's a lot of writing on the daytona-dial

[@jimmyjay122]

Matthias Heuberger looks cheesy as hell

[@VmanStudioz]

This match-up comes down to share preference. It’s truly a drawl. For me, I pick the Rolex in this case although I admit the AP is a far nicer handcrafted watch.

[@brianjohnson1665]

Buy a submariner and then an AP. Best of both designs

[@jcbsplace]

Tim lays the smackdown daily

[@BattleRattle4x4]

the ceramic daytona is one of the best day to day watches of all time. Ive worn it every day for about a year and a half. not too big and wears with anything. i've never liked the AP's lines, too garish.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Glad to hear of your amazing experience with the Rolex Daytona! Thanks for sharing! - WatchBox Team

[@AndrewL31413]

AP is the better watch

[@saifa6359]

great video and review!

[@bushfriend2718]

I am thinking about selling or trading my Daytona for an Ap should I?

[@JoseRodriguez-ey7ju]

Are you high? Of course not!

[@LuisOrtizMBA]

It could make sense. If you bought your Daytona new and it has now gone up in value, you might be able to get a Royal Oak and still pocket a bit of cash (especially if you buy the RO pre-owned). Or you can go for a pre-owned rose gold Royal Oak, that would be sweet.

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Don’t sell as you’ll regret it. Just save until you can get the AP.

[@usmanali7222]

yessssss do ittt

[@986C]

If you’re asking the comments section on KZbin what to do with your supposed watches - then Yes I would sell and buy tide pods. I hear they’re delicious.

[@kenneth7333]

AP has more class, and it is at a different league...

[@CTOInformation]

yes, rolex like benz, AP like jaguar....

[@bubbab7792]

Taking the Daytona, cause who doesn't love Paul Newman?

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

You Bubba, are a smart man. 🚗💨 - WatchBox Team

[@JAKEWJONES]

★ Dan Ackroyd does watch reviews?? ★

[@scotts1409]

Fantastic review

[@narenreddy2329]

Daytona for me.

[@joepeera6346]

Ever since AP made a Jay Z edition Royal Oak OffShore I have distanced myself. Rolex or Patek for me. You wont find a Jay Z edition Daytona, that is for damn sure!

[@DonLee1980]

I will never buy a Daytona. simply because a watch of that kind of price cannot be without a date. nobody uses the chronograph nowadays but the date is handy every time you look at the watch

[@c63sk88]

Audemars Piguet 💪💪

[@kd-gn6mj]

msrp panda. grey market price ap.

[@hochspannunglebensgefahr5339]

AP all the way for me.

[@martinnewton1984]

Much prefer the AP.....however the Daytona lives up better to everyday life. The bezel on the RO just dink’s so easy.

[@BattleRattle4x4]

the ceramic is great. been wearing every day for about a year and a half. The band is skuffed up, but the bezel looks brand new.

[@fuzziebunnie]

how does one even get a new daytona? the waitlists are insane.

[@luisdias5355]

I like AP more thank you

[@prankstar5584]

Great Video , i Love that

[@The_real_Mr_Ghost]

daytona all day

[@diabew]

Rolex in-house movement AP not 👎

[@diogeneslantern18]

Tachymeter. Enough said.

[@waitheaven]

good video

[@weekenddelight2489]

AP Rose Gold Chrono, nothing compares.

[@user-si1ev7ee4l]

Great review Tim! I do respect and love this Daytona but would take The AP over the Daytona!

[@BenTramer]

I prefer the AP RO. You need a loupe to appreciate the dial of the AP. You need reading glasses to appreciate the dial of the Daytona.

[@user-jq6sz6zi8s]

Now that AP 38mm chrono, similar to Daytona sizewise, is available in 2019, I wonder what was your take on that Chrono at SIHH? I am really interested in 38mm since I do have small wrist Thanks

[@user-jq6sz6zi8s]

btw, shoutout from Korea. Enjoy watching your reviews

[@chun_ting]

I like the AP's date function but I like Daytona more between both, nevertheless the king of the chronograph should be El Primero

[@MrRoyck10]

Royal Oak looks better without the busy chronographs, Daytona is more sleeker making it aesthetically pleasing.

[@jimmyjay122]

As far as looks and aesthetics, i see a glorified Swatch vs an exquisite work of art. I don’t see how these 2 can ever be compared.

[@sbsb4995]

AP wins.

[@dereks66]

I suppose a Rolex white dial Daytona 116500LN would have been no contest because it is a sexy piece.

[@ihatepotholes]

Have you had your AP serviced before? Something tells me you haven't TIm.

[@justinnusbaum1998]

I have and it is not nearly as bad as the urban legend stories that everyone likes to tell. After everything was said and done, it was ~$350 more than my mid 90s Rolex Thunderbird.

[@nomad-81-25]

I hate seeing the screws in the AP case. That alone is why I would never buy an AP.

[@chipwong3172]

This is the sophies choice of watch comparisons...😨

[@RebelFan]

Best vs yet

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thank you, Rebel! I appreciate the feedback since I'm always trying to improve. Best, Tim