Help me make the right choice. Rolex v AP v JLC?
Discussion
Speed.deman said:
Am I being foolish in choosing the AP which is £1,100 more and 11 years older?
My preference is the AP, which is a watch I have worn in the past. I am just concerning I'm spending my money foolishly given the other two are younger and cheaper?
I don't follow the prices of such models however if the AP is your first choice and the £ is right in relation to its age, condition, full set (or not) and, importantly, service history then just go for it! AP is the bigger name of the 3 so the fact that it's more expensive shouldn't be an issue, it's whether the price is right with respect to that watch that matters. My preference is the AP, which is a watch I have worn in the past. I am just concerning I'm spending my money foolishly given the other two are younger and cheaper?
Do check the service history though, that's not going to be cheap to send back to AP.
Edited by CardShark on Thursday 9th March 13:06
I think you should buy whichever you like most that's in budget - which seems to be the AP.
I saw the first two pics and thought : You have excellent taste. I've always liked the Rolex Datejust, especially in that colour. The JLC also looks lovely to me and I'd be happy with either. For me, the AP is a completely different looking watch to the other two and a bit "bling" for my tastes but if you love it, then buy it!
I saw the first two pics and thought : You have excellent taste. I've always liked the Rolex Datejust, especially in that colour. The JLC also looks lovely to me and I'd be happy with either. For me, the AP is a completely different looking watch to the other two and a bit "bling" for my tastes but if you love it, then buy it!

Speed.deman said:
Hi all
Pictures below.
It has come down to 3 x watches. They are all used watches but in mint condition.
1. 2015 Datejust in steel with blue face and baton (116334) - £5,500
2. 2016 JLC Master Chronograph in steel - £5,500
3. 2005 AP Royal Oak Bi Metal - £6,600
My budget was £5,500 max but I saw this AP and negotiated like mad to get this price.
Am I being foolish in choosing the AP which is £1,100 more and 11 years older?
My preference is the AP, which is a watch I have worn in the past. I am just concerning I'm spending my money foolishly given the other two are younger and cheaper?
Thank you all.



If it has to be one of those, the Rolex. The JLC is too big for you and the RO is just horrific in any incarnation, particularly that one.Pictures below.
It has come down to 3 x watches. They are all used watches but in mint condition.
1. 2015 Datejust in steel with blue face and baton (116334) - £5,500
2. 2016 JLC Master Chronograph in steel - £5,500
3. 2005 AP Royal Oak Bi Metal - £6,600
My budget was £5,500 max but I saw this AP and negotiated like mad to get this price.
Am I being foolish in choosing the AP which is £1,100 more and 11 years older?
My preference is the AP, which is a watch I have worn in the past. I am just concerning I'm spending my money foolishly given the other two are younger and cheaper?
Thank you all.
A standard Datejust would suit you better.
TheOversteerLever said:
lostkiwi said:
For me it would be the JLC all day long.
Me too. Not a fan of the Datejust and the AP looks a bit 'used car dealer' for my taste.I very nearly bought a Master Chrono before I got my ceramic Sub LV. Still want one!
All are great watches but for me Rolex is the default choice for someone who has come into money so its a bit 'BMW' to me - great product but shows little imagination (apologies to Rolex fans). You'll also be asked 'Is it real' and people will assume its not....
The JLC is nicely understated, can be worn for all occasions and superbly elegant.
The AP is as said just too bling for my tastes but then I don't like gold or two tone watches much.
Whats important is what you like. What I've said are just my opinions and many will not agree. Buy what you like. All are great products.
Will this be your only watch?
I've got both the DJ (36mm) and the JLC. A word of warning about the JLC, it's terribly fragile, I had a nightmare with mine when I first bought it and as a result rarely wear it, lovely looking watch though. I bought a Daytona to replace it as I'm a fan of chronographs, it feels bomb proof by comparison.
The rolex is much better as an everyday proposition. The AP in bi metal doesn't do it for me but to each his own.
As an aside I paid £5250 for the JLC 3 years ago. The rolex is probably a much better place to put your money if you worry about that sort of thing.
I've got both the DJ (36mm) and the JLC. A word of warning about the JLC, it's terribly fragile, I had a nightmare with mine when I first bought it and as a result rarely wear it, lovely looking watch though. I bought a Daytona to replace it as I'm a fan of chronographs, it feels bomb proof by comparison.
The rolex is much better as an everyday proposition. The AP in bi metal doesn't do it for me but to each his own.
As an aside I paid £5250 for the JLC 3 years ago. The rolex is probably a much better place to put your money if you worry about that sort of thing.
Edited by poocherama on Thursday 9th March 15:42
I have the 116334 in that exact dial combination. I love it. No other watch I own get's so many "ooooh that's nice" comments.
The colour isn't common, so it really does feel special when i put it on. It can be worn with any colour jacket or shirt. I wear it for very smart/formal.
It has the classic datejust shape and the 41mm means it's not too chunky or big on the wrist.
I wouldn't however say the JLC is an alternative to the Rolex, it's a different style all together, so it would be another watch to have along side for different formal options when a leather/chrono/classic look is required.

The colour isn't common, so it really does feel special when i put it on. It can be worn with any colour jacket or shirt. I wear it for very smart/formal.
It has the classic datejust shape and the 41mm means it's not too chunky or big on the wrist.
I wouldn't however say the JLC is an alternative to the Rolex, it's a different style all together, so it would be another watch to have along side for different formal options when a leather/chrono/classic look is required.
Edited by kmpowell on Thursday 9th March 16:18
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