Audemars Piguet

I have been on an as yet unsuccessful quest to find the perfect Royal Oak for myself, given it's at times notoriety for incompatibiliy with small wrists.. I have a 6 inch wrist, and bought an Offshore Panda some time ago, only to decide after some time that I'm a real stickler when it comes to comfort and fit, and thus eventually moved it on to someone (with an even smaller wrist!) who would enjoy it more..

Obviously I'm not the only one out there with a small wrist, but I am probably more OCD about it than many others, leading to this void in the collection that I am still quite keen to fill..

Would like to just share some thoughts about what I have tried so far, and also would like to seek thoughts of others who have had similar experiences, and what they find works best for them!

1) 15202 (pre-2012 edition)

Managed to try this on at a jeweller who was kind to size it for me. Unsized, it seemed to give the same problems I had with the current Jumbo, which I have yet to try with a sized bracelet. However when sized from a distance it looked fairly OK, although the stiffness of the lugs with the thin bracelet jutting out might prove an issue in the long term. (first pic below). I'm not sure if there's any difference in fit between this and the current Jumbo when sized properly, perhaps others would like to comment?

2) Royal Oak Chrono (39mm version)

Managed to try this on with sized bracelet as well. Although the lugs are similar stiff as per the Jumbo, the chunkier watch and bracelet seemed to wrap the wrist slightly more comfortably than the 15202, akin to how some people find Panerais comfortable due to the combination of the watch and the thicker straps. There is still a gap between the beginning of the bracelet and the wrist, but it's visible from less angles as compared to the Jumbo. (second picture below)

3) 15450

Now this 37mm watch fits perfectly - not a given as I have tried on a good friend's LE 14790 before, and that did not fit well despite the 36mm size. However this watch with the 37mm size and comfortable bracelet fits like a dream. Logically it should be a no brainer here, however for some reason I still would like to stick a 39mm iteration if possible, given that was how Genta originally designed it.. Maybe after trying those on a few more times will I come around to my senses? (third picture)

I have yet to try on the 15300, which I would like as well. I have ruled out the 15400, the current Royal Oak Chronoes, and the Offshores as these will definitely not fit well. It is challenging however, given how most jewellers are reluctant to size the bracelets for you unless you commit to buying them, and it is obviously hard to try the different models in one place to compare.

Hope in some way this has helped others on a similar journey, and would defeinitely welcome the thoughts of others as well.. Which is your ideal RO for fit? Have you compromised wearibility and comfort in order to own a more iconic piece such as a Jumbo, or have you accepted your wrist limitations and gone for a perhaps less collectable but imminently more fitting watch?

Have a great weekend all, and appreciate your thoughts!

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