Opinion on 2 high end sports watches

[Timeaficionado]

I'm looking into getting one of two pieces that I love and would just like to hear some opinions from everyone here. The two in question are the 5167 Patek Aquanaut, or the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver. They're both in the same price range and offer somewhat similar qualities, although very different. As far as my thoughts, I'm looking for a high end sports watch that is also capable of actually being used for its intended purposes. I don't exactly dive very much, but I do swim quite a lot, sail, etc. This will not be a watch that I wear just toi go to dinner. I love the AP bc of its radical looks and it is (from what I've read) a very capable dive watch. Now I have a few dive watches anyway that if I were to go scuba diving or something like that can be used, but it's nice to know the AP can handle it. The Patek is rated to 120m, probably more than i would go anyway. I always wanted a Patek though. So I'm torn between the two. This will be my first watch of this caliber although I don't think that should matter. Thanks for the thoughts!

[Watchbreath]

Not a contest for me, the Patek.

[mabboud]

i would personally disagree on that one. while the patek is nice- the aquanaut has never really done it for me. i think the royal oak has a very distinguished look, and a much better one at that.
i'm also not sure that i would want a watch of given price range to be on a rubber strap....

while i understand your desire for a patek- i suggest you hold off on that one until you can get something like a calatrava, nautilus, or even world time- and not just settle for a aquanaut to be "your patek"

[Timeaficionado]

Seems like not a lot of love out there for aquanauts. I google searched all different forums and not too many fans. Not that that would change my mind or sway me, just interesting observation.

[Aliisloo]

I would go for AP ROO. It looks much more authentic diver / sports watch and design is something special.

You might also want to consider JLC Master Compressor Diving and Navy Seal ranges. I think you can get in same price much better complications, more ruggedness and sporty looks, in an (arguably) equally important brand.

[Timeaficionado]

I thought about getting a Jaeger as well, obviously a wonderful brand but truthfully while their sports watches are good looking and well designed, I never got into them. To me a Jaeger has to be classy, ala reverso or say a master control. The ROO screams rugged sports watch, which is why I also thought of the IWC Mission Earth. So far I'm leaning towards the Aquanaut. I don't think there's anything wrong with starting off a High end collection with an Aquanaut even though a lot of people aren't it's biggest fans haha. But there's something about owning a Patek that gets to me. The AP is something I've seen all over the place, television, magazines, athletes, many of my friends have offshores, but I don't know one person with a Patek and I don't know why. I think it's a beautifully designed watch, simple but very sporty, I love the rubber strap, the size is not large by any means so it isn't cumbersome, and well I'm not exactly Jacques Cousteu.
On the other hand, let's face it, that offshore diver is one bad a$$ watch.

[Stensbjerg]

The AP if it should be a PP then it would be the JN for me
but AP has really make a awesome high-end diver.

[watchhound]

Hard call. For me - the AP. I have never really warmed to that particular Patek model and it is not particularly popular generally although I am sure it is a wonderful watch. It is smaller, I believe, than the AP. The only downside to the AP is that from having owned many Offshore's and RO's, the bezels, while stunning, are very easy to nick and scratch due to the sharp edges and fine finish. I found that I had to be so careful with them that it took a little of the enjoyment out of the watch for me. Just depends on how OCD you are about your watches.

[Aliisloo]

Hard call. For me - the AP. I have never really warmed to that particular Patek model and it is not particularly popular generally although I am sure it is a wonderful watch. It is smaller, I believe, than the AP. The only downside to the AP is that from having owned many Offshore's and RO's, the bezels, while stunning, are very easy to nick and scratch due to the sharp edges and fine finish. I found that I had to be so careful with them that it took a little of the enjoyment out of the watch for me. Just depends on how OCD you are about your watches.

I think what watchhound is saying makes a lot of sense. Clearly words of wisdom from someone who has owned APs If you want it to be a true sports watch, AP might give you quite a lot of grief with every nick and bump.

If your mind is set for PP, go for it. Otherwise let me give two more options, VC Overseas and, a dark horse, IWC Vintage series Aquatimer. I think it is a beautiful watch.
IWC Schaffhausen | Branch of Richemont International SA | Fine Timepieces From Switzerland | Collection | IWC Vintage Collection | Aquatimer Automatic

[Watchbreath]

Yep, those door knobs have a way of ruining your day.

I think what watchhound is saying makes a lot of sense. Clearly words of wisdom from someone who has owned APs If you want it to be a true sports watch, AP might give you quite a lot of grief with every nick and bump.

If your mind is set for PP, go for it. Otherwise let me give two more options, VC Overseas and, a dark horse, IWC Vintage series Aquatimer. I think it is a beautiful watch.
IWC Schaffhausen | Branch of Richemont International SA | Fine Timepieces From Switzerland | Collection | IWC Vintage Collection | Aquatimer Automatic