Miranda
[PuristSPro Moderator]
5904
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 v 15300 "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose"
In 28 years of watch collecting I have never owned a Royal Oak, infact until I got the chance to do this review, I had never even tried one on my wrist!
So perhaps its kind of bizarre that an Oak novice like me should ever dare to even try a review!!
Recently I thought I really must see what all the fuss is about, enticed by all the pictures posted in this forum I headed off to a dealer. There is a waiting list here in the UK so the only option was grey and paying a premium. Should I desire one....
The original classic from 1972
To my surprise the dealer pulled out two, one less expensive a reference 15300.
Both were 39mm and with the signature blue dial.
The reference 15202
This is the daddy!
True to the 1972 original and with the same calibre 2120 movement. It has a petit tapisserie dial and applied AP logo at 6 o’ clock like the original. It’s also very thin at about 8mm
The clasp is very good and quite solid in constructing
The bracelet of course is pure magic, the detail of finishing is impeccable
Reference 15300
This had been discontinue, superseded by the ref 15400, but this is 41mm.
In terms of proportions the 15300 is definitely the more original.
I had a degree of prejudice against this, simply because its not the original jumbo.
But here is the reality, think of the 15300 in the same way as the Patek Philippe 5711. Like the 5711, the 15300 has an in-house movement, quick set date, centre seconds and a screw down crown.
In many respects this is the better all round watch compared to its illustrious forbear.
It’s definitely more practical.
It has the in house calibre 3120 with 3.0Hz frequency, bidirectional 22k rotor and 11 3/4 lignes diameter. It boasts a 60hour power reserve.
The bracelet is impeccable again and has an elaborate clasp mechanism (comfortable but looks less sturdy)
The dial has a grande tapisserie finish
The thickness is more at 9.4mm
But on the wrist you don’t feel it. The watch feels more hefty and sturdy- more practical and confidence inspiring.
15202 v 15300
Overall it really depends on what you are looking for. The 15300 was £5k less expensive and if you can be happy with a black or white dial the 15300 is half the value of a jumbo.
Pro and cons, the finish on the AP logo was distinctly better on the 15202, a minor detail maybe
The 15202 had a better clasp and of course the legendary movement- though the 3120 is a better movement except in emotional value
The dial is also more luxurious in the 15202
In an ideal world I would have both, one for Work and one for special events - the 15300 exceeded all expectations, I was truly impressed and it carries all the DNA but in a modern package
But if I had to have only one, of course it has to be the original.
Best
Imran
More posts:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 v 15300 "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose"
In 28 years of watch collecting I have never owned a Royal Oak, infact until I got the chance to do this review, I had never even tried one on my wrist! So perhaps its kind of bizarre that an Oak novice like me should ever dare to even try a review!! Rece...
Nice review!
I, for one, was also thinking of a 15300 as well. This review made me appreciate the said model more than before. Hopefully AP will bring back this model which is a better size for my wrist. Thanks for sharing!
Well,
I owned both and can also compare them, maybe in a little subjective way.. The 15300 was my very first AP, therefore my personal chain was very strong for that particular model! I think the 15300 is a true classical watch, I loved it, and some of the deta...
Excellent review!
You seemed to capture a lot of details in your report. It’s good information as I am learning more about AP in hopes of adding one to the collection.
Nice comparison - a question if I may?
Hi Imran, I have almost as limited experience with Royal Oaks although I have owned and appreciated one for about 5 years. On the ones you reviewed you rightly took off the serial numbers - but is there also a model number on the caseback? How in the worl...
Thanks for the post.
I've owned both watches and wouldn't hesitate to own them again. Two comments based on my ownership: 15202 "Jumbo" is the most comfortable bracelet watch I've ever owned. It simply conforms to the wrist and wears light and inconspicuous. 15300 has the adv...
Very nice review
Those two models are easily the ones I prefer in all of AP's production. Shame that the 15300 is no longer produced, I find that the 15400 wears much too large at 41mm + integrated bracelet. But if I was to get one, it would be the 15202, for its sleeknes...
Nice review!!
For me, the 15202 is more dressy while 15300 is more sporty. Even thought they look similar but feeling very different when wearing. 15202 is very comfortable because of the light weight ( especially the bracelet). The blue dial is tough to beat for the j...
15300 is equivalent of 5711, 15202 is only comparable to 3700. While you point out correctly that 15300/5711 have in-house mvmt with seconds hand, lot of ppl dont know that 15202/3700...
....are monobloc cases - they open only at the top. On the other hand 5711 case separates from the top+bottom. 15202/3700 have the same JLC mvmt. ...
