All watch lovers and admirers know what value the Rolex Oyster brings to the watch world. Even the original models are hard to obtain, despite the cosmic prices. In addition, the demand for them is so high, that the prices don’t seem to go down. Therefore, here comes an alternative for the Rolex Oyster. The Royal Oak of Audemars Piguet is a little bit more expensive than the original Rolex models. But, it is more accessible since the brand releases a higher quantity. Now the question: is it worth it to pay a little bit more and to have that great Royal Oak or is it better to wait until a Rolex Oyster is available?
Let’s take a deeper look at these 2 similar, yet different models. Even though the brands compete in their field, we have to admit that both models represent phenomenal works of art. We hope this article will help you figure out the values of each model and maybe will influence your decision when buying a replica version.
Chronographs
The value of Rolex Daytona cannot be estimated in simple words. The timepiece has totally revolutionized the market and brought the brand to cosmic levels. The steel version of this timepiece has been a real rarity for a certain period. As a result, the strong desire of having one remained vivid for a lot of customers and tended to increase every other year. Consequently, this watch’s waiting list grew in an astonishing rhythm and the final price was far more expensive than the retail price. Some experts have suggested at the time on the online platforms that the Royal Oak could be seen as a great alternative. With a difference of approximately 700 $, the Royal Oak could completely satisfy the needs and meet the demands of those aficionados of the Rolex Oyster.
As a matter of fact, customers can observe the same tendencies in the price for the replica versions. On some online marketplaces, vendors propose the Royal Oak replica with a slighter higher price than the Daytona. Statistically, yet, the Daytona remains the most demanded in the replica world, because the watch is relatively easy to obtain and there is no scarcity for the model.
We will try to figure out what happens with the original models and you can make up a conclusion about whether it is a good idea to overpay.
Particular description
As you already know, the two models feature stainless steel cases and stainless steel bracelets. The first difference between them is that they come in different sizes. Rolex Daytona has a standard dimension and it features 40 mm. On the other hand, the Royal Oak is more flexible to this thread. Customers can choose between a 38 mm and a 41 44 dimension, based on their individual needs and style.
Another difference between the two revolutionary models is the thickness. Who do you think will take the trophy of thickness? The Royal Oak, sure thing. The watch measures 11 mm high. In contrast, the Rolex Oyster is 12.5. Even though the difference is insignificant, it is highly influential for watch lovers with a pedant attitude.
As for the water resistance aspect, here we also see a difference and a huge one. For this time, Rolex takes the lead and proposes a water resistance value of up to 200 meters. And that’s a great option for diving lovers. On the other hand, the Royal Oak can take pride only in 50 meters depth. In this thread, customers can choose according to their passion for water. If the plans include diving and frequent water activities, the Rolex is definitely the right way to go.
The bezel of most watches is astonishingly handsome. However, from the design point of view, the Daytona looks more robust due to its ceramic bezel material. Though, it is a subjective opinion. Certain surveys have shown that the Royal Oak does not lose ground from the aesthetic point of view.
As to what goes into durability, there can be no subjective opinions. The Daytona is certainly more durable since this feature is enhanced by the crew-down pushers. In contrast, the Royal Oak crown is the only screwed-down.
What about elegance? Which of the watches do you find more subtle?
The Audemars Piguet can boast of having a more graceful look, without any doubt. The bracelet has a gradually-narrowing form. This makes it look delicate. In addition, the Grande Tapisserie pattern confers the watch with a discerning, refined, and cultivated air. The octagonal bezel that delicately wraps the round dial makes it more sophisticated and confers a drop of formality.
On the other hand, the Rolex preserves its sporty air via the tachymeter track. The overall aspect is more robust, bold, and compact. The counter rings bring value to the overall design, yet the whole structure tends more to the sporty style. Moreover, the sporty air is present independently of the black or white dial.
Transparency of the caseback
The Royal Oak timepiece doesn’t feature a transparent caseback to enjoy the inner mechanism. Neither does Daytona. Therefore, none of the watches can delight us with their magnificent mechanism view. But, according to the official data, Rolex seems to be unbeatable in the functional chapter. This is because it features a 4130 Caliber, in comparison to the 2385 Caliber of the Royal Oak. In addition, the Daytona can take pride in the 72 hours of power reserve. In contrast, the Royal Oak provides only 40 hours. On the other hand, the Royal Oak does feature a date window which is lacking in the Rolex model.
So, why the price difference?
As you can see, both timepieces have common features and distinctive features. If one timepiece stands out over the other with some advantages, the other compensates for it with some additional specs. As a result, they are both splendid. It all depends not on the personal feeling toward one or another piece. What makes the price difference is the complexity of the bracelet, case, and dial finishing of the Royal Oak. The manufacturing process of such a finish requires additional materials and additional craftsmanship. For the rest, they both have astonishingly handsome profiles. Hence the answer to the main question: customers waiting long for the Rolex Daytona original can easily view the Royal Oak as a worthy and dignified alternative right away.
The problem of the long waiting list for these models is absent with their replica alternatives. You already know the greatness of these watches from the info presented above. AAAreplica store makes every effort to deliver those masterpieces safely and responsibly. In addition, we are doing our best to replicate the models at the highest levels of resemblance.
The comparison goes beyond that
Dive watches
Let’s take a detailed look at the Dive series of both brands. It’s not a secret that Rolex has delighted its fans with an attractive collection of Dive timepieces. You can fall in love with the Deep Sea, Submariner, and Sea Dweller, all different in complication and water resistance profiles. Taking the Submariner as an example, it features 300 meters of water resistance and is the most affordable in the entire collection. As to the price: about 9000 $.
In contrast, Audemars Piguet has opted for a single model so far. It is about the Oak Offshore Diver. Despite releasing a single model, the series is rich in color variations which makes it pretty demandable. In addition, it comes with a 60 h power reserve and a splendid crystal casebook showing the 3120 Caliber movement. The overall picture captures with impressiveness due to the complex decorative finishes. The water resistance capability equals that of the Rolex Submariner. The price? No more and no less than about 20,500 $.
In conclusion, the price difference in the Chronograph series is significantly less than the price difference in the Dive series. Audemars Piguet shows a fantastic profile and it will be no mistake to state that the Royal Oak is a worthy alternative. As for the Dive series, the price difference is pretty sentient. Therefore, the decision to buy the expensive Piguet version over the more affordable Submariner is more dependent on personal taste. You could try them both. Of course, we don’t refer to the original models. But, with their replica alternatives, you can taste one brand to see how it feels, and later taste the other one. As a result, you can answer the main question: which one totally justifies its price.
Final thoughts
It is difficult to propose another brand, that builds such complex, robust, and impeccably qualitative watches than Rolex. However, it’s impossible to ignore the artistry specific to Audemars Piguet. The finish of the brushed surfaces, the irreplaceable in-house movements, and the design details of bracelets and cases are definitely the specific signature of the brand. This signature is unbeatable compared to other competitors. Now, knowing the differences between the iconic Royal Oak and Oyster, it’s up to you to decide which suits your personality better.