Vacheron Constantin

Last week I acquired a Royal Oak 15300 to go along with my Overseas chronograph. Since I've seen quite a few people on these forums ask many times which one to choose, I figured I'd post a comparison. Now I know it’s not quite an apples to apples comparison seeing that one is a chronograph and one isn't but I think you'll get the idea. Both companies make a date, chronograph, and dual time version of these watches.

 

The Royal Oak is one of the most iconic, well known sports watches on the market. The styling hasn't changed much over the years. The watch still looks very similar to the way it looked in the 70's when it was first released. The Overseas has morphed at least 4 times since the 70's starting with the 222 then on to the Phidias. In 1996 the original version of the Overseas was released. I feel that VC's newest offering (released in 2004) is more of a modern looking version of the Royal Oak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIAL: I prefer the guilloche dial on the VC compared the hobnail of AP’s. The big date is also a nicer feature. I do like the markers and hands better on the AP. The lume on both watches is about equal. The advantage here goes to VC

 

 

 

 

 

BRACELET: Both bracelets are extremely well made, with AP's being one of the most recognizable on the market. The polishing job done on the Royal Oak bracelet is the best I've ever seen. VC's bracelet is outstanding as well. It's very comfortable and was designed in a way that it incorporates the companies malte cross logo. It’s tough to choose a winner in this dept. but due to comfort reasons VC has the slight overall advantage. The links on the Royal Oak's bracelet tend to catch wrist hair making it a little uncomfortable at times.

 

 

 

 

 

CASE/BEZEL: Advantage goes to the Royal Oak, the bezel has been copied so many times over the years, it's really one of AP's trademarks. Both cases are built like tanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CROWNS/WATER RESISTANCE: The VC's crowns are nicer looking and the watch is water resistant up to 150m whereas the AP's water resistant is a little disappointing for a sport watch at 50m. Advantage VC.

 

 

 

 

 

CASE BACK/MOVEMENT: The AP wins hands down although this is an instance where we are not really comparing apples to apples. AP's chronograph offering uses the same F. Piguet movement as VC's and the case back is pretty plain whereas VC has a nice engraving of a ship. Since we are comparing it with the 15300 I've give AP the edge.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are wrist shots of both watches.

 

 

 

In closing there really isn't a right or wrong answer here. You will be very pleased with either offering, it all really comes down to personal tastes. For me, I prefer the modern look, size, and comfort of the Overseas but with that being said I think the overall consensus would disagree with me. So there you have it, I hope this comparison is helpful.

 

Tony

 

added to Editor's Pick

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-03-06 19:25:35

The choice of which to choose has been an ongoing dilemma for myself between the Overseas and the Royal Oak. They are both beautifully and finely crafted pieces. It is great to see photos of both side-by-side, even though it is still very difficult to choose between them. If VC was to place their inhouse calibre 2450 in the Overseas I would go with this one, but no telling when that will happen.

I was wondering if you have ever seen a photo of the Overseas case without the bracelet attached from a top view? I have tried to find a photo of what the case looks like from the top where the bracelet connects, and I have had no success at all. Do you have any kind of photo like this or idea of where I can find such a photo, maybe from your Overseas? Thanks Tony and again great report!

Regards,

Mike

Thanks for the response; I hope the post helps you choose. For me an in-house movement is not that important (at one point is but I've gotten over it), I'd much prefer a high end tried and true movement whether it’s in-house or sourced. A lot of times in-house movements are more expensive to service and because they aren't produced as much as other more popular sourced movements, defects tend to occur at a higher probability.

In regards to your photo request I don't know where your going to find a shot of the Overseas without the bracelet attached at the angle your looking for. It’s kind of a unique request? I'd would try to get the shot for you but its too much trouble to unscrew the lugs at each end, sorry.

Tony

 

nt

Hmmm which one would I think would be the last one standing if this were a last man standing competition!  I'm not sure who would be the winner because both watches are great and on par with each other overall IMO.

AP bracelet design department hopefully will read your report so they know they have to redesign their bracelet to be less of a wrist hair catcher!

Cheers,
Anthony

...the VC Overseas. Great brushed bracelet, and the fit and finish is excellent.  It is a very versatile and elegant watch.  You can wear it with a suit at a formal event, or with a t-shirt and jeans to get an upscale sporty look.  This watch is truly one of my favorites and most heavily worn.  Great report Tony, look forward to seeing you soon.

Godspeed,

Scott D

This message has been edited by sdd7820 on 2008-03-07 02:11:27

...to Juliana my girlfriend who was the photographer, she will indeed be very happy.

Godspeed,

Scott D
This message has been edited by sdd7820 on 2008-03-07 16:03:39

Scott,

That’s a great shot of your Overseas. When I started looking at the two models (OS & RO) I knew that one day I wanted to own a version of each brands offering. I really wanted a chronograph at the time I purchased the VC and when I compared it to AP's offering I just like the overall package of the VC better. So that left me with the choice of the Dual time or 15300 and I preferred the clean look of the 15300 better than the dual time. The Overseas is definitely a piece I would own someday, it’s no surprise that it gets a lot of wrist time. Thanks again for the response, I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Tony 

 

Tony, thank you for taking the time to make your report.

I once owned a Royal Oak chronograph and would like to share a three points about it in comparison to the older style VC Overseas chronograph, points which I suspect still hold for the new style Overseas.

1-I really hated unscrewing the pushers on the RO chrono whereas it was easy on the Overseas.

2-The VC was better balanced on the wrist. I felt the head of the AP was too heavy when compared with the bracelet and thus it was a little uncomfortable to wear.

3-The big date on the VC is not only useful, it also gives the dial a balanced look compared to the RO's date between the 4 and 5 hour markers.


Bill

You hit on all the important points.  Thanks and congratulations, Tony!

Bravo my friend, the comparison was grate. As you probably know I disagree with your concluion, long live the RO!

Jay,

Why don't you post some pictures of your RO chronograph?

Tony

Its a little dirty and a little beaten up, but it is my daily wearer.

..

I hope people find this comparsion helpful.  With the amount of times this question (VC or AP) has been asked through out the different forums, I thought the time had come for someone to do a review. Anthony, how is the RM treating you? When are your guys going to be in NYC again?

Tony

and it just doesn't seem to come off my wrist.  I think I've found another "perfect" watch for me.

I'll have a layover in NY on the way and back from SIHH, but doesn't look like I'll be staying a few extra days in NY on the way back.  I might, but am not 100% sure yet.  If I do stay a few days on the way back from SIHH, I'll definitely let u guys know!

Cheers,
Anthony

Let us know if you'll be staying for a day or two, I'm sure a lot of us would like to know first hand how SIHH was. Make sure you post photo's of your next "perfect" watch when you get it.

Tony

First congrats on having 2 really great sports watches.  Again thanks for the comparison and great photos.  I love the Royal Oak design and hope to add one to my collection someday.  I have to say the hands and markers just look much nicer on the AP.   Wear them both in good health and I hope to see more comparisons from you in the future. 

Best regards,

Dino