Rolex Explorer 1 or 33mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak?
I’ve always been a fan of the look of the Royal Oak - but those integrated bracelets are massive on my wrists - even on 36mm watches.
Enter the 33mm modern AP Royal Oak. It’s meant to be a ladies - but as you can see in the pics - it wears pretty similar to an explorer and looks good on a man.
It’s also a bit over double the price of the Rolex and quartz.. But.. I like it..
What say you?
Photo credit: @minima_wrist on Insta
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Justin Fynes
@Justingalore
Fairly new to watch collecting. Super fast collecting journey which landed me eventually in Cartier love. The Tank is a GADA watch.
London
Member since
Last active: 1 hr ago
I'm a massive Rolex fan but that royal oak fits really well and looks stunning,so that gets my vote
I think it's lovely, although it has a couple of things that would steer me away. I think 33 might e a little small for me, it would be better without a date, and it's way more $ that I'm interested in spending (which is probably the real reason, let's face facts...)
I do think the pic is a less hairy man..
I go Explorer. I'm not a Rolex fan but I do like the explorer in particular.
The Royal Oak is not for me.
I just can’t get over the width of the bracelet at the case end. There is however the 34mm auto ref in steel - could be the one.
Rolex Ex1 for me!
Seriously fam, your tastes are impeccable, again..
I admire the exp 1 but when compared to any watch from the trinity? The trinity always wins. So AP RO, in any case size, over the Exp 1.
Ever since I've seen Mark Cho's 34mm Quartz RO in tantalum, I'm sold on these. These smallish, thin quartz Royal Oaks are actually the only RO's I'd consider. 👍
Even with a quartz movement and in 33mm, the AP RO blows away the Rolex.
Like many people with smaller wrists, I steer away from bigger watches and the RO always seems too big. Until now! Those smaller ones really ticks a lot of boxes. And I really don't get the whole quartz/mechanical thing, since movements is right down there on my checklist... Have you seen this one:
It's 37 mm., but man, what a killer combo!
The Explorer obviously. Is this even a question?
Quartz AP instantly makes it more interesting. Anecdotally I have read AP service quotes referred to as ransom notes, so one less thing to worry about.
Both look good on your wrist. Haven’t voted yet, too close to call!!
Just to note - at AP yesterday they said the 33mm quartz is no longer being produced. So the smallest is the 34mm mechanical.