Advice on AP/IWC/Zenith

[sinasera]

I have been reading this forum and there are so many professional and interesting comments from here. And I am hoping I can get some feedback to my questiin here...

I would like to get some opinions from you for my next target, I am considering of one among the following:

AP Royal Oak
AP Royal Oak Offshore
IWC Portuguese 7Day
Zenith Captain Moonphase

Before you jump on me saying they are in different categories, let me explain, I have a collection of a few watches and they are all Rolex: Daytona, Milgauss, and turnograph. I am looking for one that is a bit different so it complement what I have. I have a wrist of 7.5 inch.

I would also like to seek some opinions on the maintenance of these watches, eg, whether they need to be serviced a lot. I wear rolex, though they are not very high end, but they are very good, I have them for 5+ yrs and never fail on me.

One of the reasons why I ask is that I heard from one of my watch friend a few years ago, and he commented that IWC tend to have small problems here and there; and require to be fixed from time to time. Thats also my rationale I always get rolex...(hope I didnt offend any one). Similarly for moonphase watch will it run into problem quite easy? For AP I like the look of them, and I dont know much about it, and what is the core value for money for this watch.

Anyway, any comments would be appreciated.

[rwilki]

Hi there,

I would say that being a rolex man you will be used to solid dependable accurate timepiece. In all the brands you have mentioned above you will get at least the same accuracy. None of these, AP,IWC and Zenith are particularly delicate in terms of wearability either. However, what I would say is that the difference between those brands mentioned is the exclusivity and unique nature.

AP royal oak - 15300 - fantastic watch, wears large on the wrist
AP royal oak chronograph - i think this is an amazing piece, hope to be my next piece, but possibly not what you would want if you own a daytona.
AP royal oak offshore - Beautiful, but a bit celebrity and common.

i think that most AP owners never go back to other manufacturers since their pieces are so amazingly finished!

I own two of the royal oaks 14790's and have had no problems with either. they are amazing pieces and I have yet to see another one in the wild.


For me what you get more so with AP is exclusivity, especially with the hugely increased price over the last 3 years. I would recommend looking for a 15300 pre-owned with full set of papers.

re-sale value for AP and IWC are significantly higher than Zenith.


Regards

Richard

[aznseank]

I would recommend 7 days. A proper dress watch would be a fine addition to your collection. But as rw mentioned, APs are a better choice than IWC. It just has better pedigree. Go with AP ROO. If not, I highly recommend IWC. Oh and cross off Zenith.

[TheKeeper]

Do you have a preference for the look? The AP is very different to the IWC and the Zenith, frankly the AP's are quite ugly... But if that's the look you want then go for it. If you are going for the rugged sporty look, the AP is for you.

The Zenith and IWC are similar in look, elegant and sophisticated. Go for Zenith if you want to be a bit more individual. But if you care more about brand recognition, then maybe Zenith isn't for you either?

[sinasera]

Actually I quite like the IWC 7 Day, it certainly has a different personality comparing to the AP and my existing rolex. I guess my feeling is that IWC 7 Day is very nice looking and the AP is one of the legends, and I wanted to have one in my collection (I guess the same feeling goes to PP, bit it just beyond my range). With the amount of the money to be spent, I have been flip flopping a few times.... I guess one of the deciding factors are the retaining values and the popularity of the watches in coming years? For example, which one you would say...go for it, and in the years to come, you will not be regreted. I know one may say,both, but if you want to force an opinion from the 2 what would you say?

[myemailsea]

The provenance of AP is considerable. I cannot speak to re-sale value, I suggest buying Real Estate if you seek a return.

I'd go Audemars over Zenith. I have never had any issues with my AP RO, which is about three years old. Nor have I had any problems with IWC. I actually haven't had any problems with watches period (except forgetting to put them back in a winder).

I really like the IWC Portuguese, but if you are comparing it against a RO and you already have a bunch of Rolex's . . . I would opt of the IWC because it wears "lighter", has a classic look and I presume your other watches are all metal <insert type here> bracelets. Unless you are looking @ leather straps on the RO, then disregard my last sentence.

BTW - I am having the same issue Patek, I want one, but they are beyond my means presently! These are good problems to have in life. Which watch purchase next!

[sinasera]

While I was browsing the forum to hunt for a good bargain for the IWC, I came acoss this Cartier Calibre. It looks quite nice, anyone has any comments on this watch?

[Watcheroo]

Get an AP ROO Diver. It will complement what you have well. If you want another chronograph, get a ROO Panda - pole position on my want list!

[cholack]

While I was browsing the forum to hunt for a good bargain for the IWC, I came acoss this Cartier Calibre. It looks quite nice, anyone has any comments on this watch?

While I do like the Calibre de Cartier, I have to say that it is not within the level of quality of your other choices. It is of good design but average IMHO.

I would go for the APs or the IWC; there will have real staying power. Additionally, if you are considering watches within these price ranges, I would consider the Zenith Striking 10th. You can see some pics that I have taken with one that I have just acquired myself.

[Ganhj]

Unless the moonphase ur talking about with regards to zenith is one that is in gold, other than that, the price will differ alot to the other two watches ur looking for. A royal oak frm AP will be one of the collectibles, but unfortunately it seems more of an acquired taste. With its in-house movement in the Portuguese 7 day wound coupled with an automatic movement, it seems to be the perfect choice with its price range. Zenith moonphase uses a elite movement which is the ultra thin series, but comparing it to the el primero movement, it both lacks history and accuracy. Yet, the last is the most affordable and it was my choice till I bought a zenith power reserve instead