I visited a nice jeweler this past week and looked closely at the Chopard LUC Sport 2000 (silver dial/bracelet) and the AP Royal Oak 15300. Both are very nice watches, of course, but I was struck by the comparison, particularly given the cost of the latter. While there were differences in the style of finishing--the AP has many more polished surfaces, which make the watch more eye-catching--I couldn't see any reason to think it was of higher quality than the LUC, whether in terms of construction or finishing, movement or dial, case or hands.
Good work Chopard! You've removed yet another rival from the pool--I'll gladly keep the Chopard rather than lust after an AP Royal Oak. Seeing is believing!
DJK