Horological Meandering

To many, the integrated steels sports watch arena is overcrowded, and the debate about which is the best has grown tiresome.  I know it has for me, and yet I continue to be attracted to this genre of watches.  I've loved braceleted watches since before the hype gave birth to a myriad of Nautilus and Royal Oak knock offs, and yet I have never owned a sports watch with a properly integrated bracelet.

because I got tired of the AP BS, I have long written off that manufacturer.

But if you really want a specific piece there's always the used marketplace....

This is another reason why the VC is attractive.  Can be had for retail, and even slightly below retail currently.

You would have to wait for the hot pieces, but you could get one, just didn't know when. Not this, prove to us you are worthy. That's laughable. it should be the other way around.

Never ever would have imagined the market/industry would become what it has.

And when it does remember those that took care of you and those that didn’t.

Ditto.

I had ordered (or was put on the list) for a 15202 like 8 years ago from the Vegas and NYC boutiques. They said it would be about a year wait. 2 years go by and I call and they have no record of it. Plenty of excellent choices out there, I certainly don't need an AP and I am content without one.

You don’t want to be told to make a pilgrimage to 48 different AP boutiques to BuiLd A RelATioNhSiop with a salesman before you’re allowed to buy a watch? 😂

Only to find out that indeed it is true and that you the customer are the punch line.

the VC, not that there's anything remotely undesirable about the AP........

Would do VC because movement is more robust!

Did you have the black dial VC?

But the VC def had more heft than the 15202, which was very light, prob due to thinness.

But maybe I just had a bad movement, others have diff experience..

Oops!

I don't care too much for the way the VC links dovetail.  

Thank you

I will always go for stealth cool over bling cool.

I like wearing waterproof watches with seconds and date, so I’ve been interested in these for a long time.

The VC Overseas 3 was released with a robust movement sized for the case. The current APRO 15500 has received a larger movement as well. I have no experience with the new AP, but the Overseas is robust with high water resistance and an anti-magnetic ring. The bracelet (with micro adjust) and straps are fantastic. The Geneva Seal movement is at a higher level of finish than most other serially produced movements. I have and enjoy the current Overseas with no reservations.

The AP RO Jumbo is a very different watch. It is much thinner with a thinner bracelet and uses a storied, but much older movement. It doesn’t offer the same robustness, but I see it more as a dress watch on a bracelet. I won’t wear a watch without running seconds, so it doesn’t work for me. The 50 m WR of the line is also not great.

On the same topic, there are the other usual suspects and a lot of new choices (which I won’t cover fully).

The main line Nautilus (currently 5811 in WG) is a thinner watch than the Overseas with a thin bracelet. It offers a contemporary dress watch movement and excellent water resistance. I’d much prefer that to a Royal Oak based on the specs.

The Odysseus is a nice choice if you’re a die hard Lange fan. I don’t really care for the aesthetics of the bracelet, but the micro adjust is nice. I like the dial and overall styling a lot. This also has a robust movement.

I find the Breguet Marine in titanium an overlooked gem. The watch is discreet and elegant. It wears beautifully and the dial is charming in person. It also uses a modern dress watch movement. The details of the case and bracelet in person are very intricate. It could be improved with micro adjust. I also have this and recommend it highly.

The new Chopard Alpine Eagle with LUC movement would be my pick if you prioritize thinness. I’d much rather have this than the Jumbo.

There are plenty of other choices to consider as well such as the Tonda PF, Czapek, and maybe Moser.

My personal picks are the Overseas and Marine for the overall case, bracelet, dial, movement, and functionality. I think all are good depending on what you prioritize.

The 50m of WR on the Jumbo definitely gives me pause. I have also been curious about the Czapek Antarctique line.

fitting their entire 15550 line with an outsourced movement. I hate it when companies do that. Love the Chopard AE suggestion in this thread. 

...the Santos.