Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500 vs 15510 Blue
Reference Guide

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500 vs 15510 Blue

By TimeMachine · Jan 3, 2023 · 3 replies
TimeMachine
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
3 replies24865 views9 photos
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TimeMachine's hands-on comparison of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15500ST and 15510ST offers invaluable insights into the subtle yet significant design evolution between these two references. His direct observations, supported by comparative wristshots, highlight how minor changes in dial aesthetics and bracelet tapering can dramatically alter a watch's perceived size and wearability, even when case dimensions remain identical. This detailed analysis is crucial for collectors considering either reference, providing a nuanced understanding beyond official specifications.

I met a Freund of mine and he was wearing his 15500st from 2021 and I my new 15510st 2022

From a glance both watches look the same but at a closer look they are very different.

The 15510st wears lighter and much smaller due to the thinner bracelet.

But visually much smaller due to a difference in dial and it seems that the bezel has changed.

Looking at them the 15510 looks like a 40mm and much closer in the direction of the jumbo than the 15500 that looks way larger.

Both watches have a very similar blue.

My friend stated the the same that the 15510st looks, feels and wears smaller than the 15500 although they are the same size.

What do you think?

Itโ€™s not that easy to see in the pictures as the perspective is changing the sizes













About the Audemars Piguet Ref. 15500

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15500ST represents a significant evolution within the Royal Oak collection, succeeding the 15400ST. This reference introduced a redesigned dial layout and an updated in-house movement, signaling a modernization of the core three-hand Royal Oak offering. It maintains the distinctive Gerald Genta-designed aesthetic, characterized by its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, while refining internal mechanics and visual balance.

This model features a 41mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.4mm, ensuring a balanced presence on the wrist. It is powered by the Audemars Piguet Caliber 4302, an automatic movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering a substantial power reserve of 70 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 50 meters, providing practical durability for daily wear.

Collector interest in the 15500ST often centers on its improved movement and the subtle dial refinements, which include a repositioned date window and the removal of the "Automatic" designation. It appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary interpretation of the Royal Oak with enhanced technical specifications. The reference is available in various dial colors, including blue, grey, and black, offering options within its established design language.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.4302
Case
stainless steel
Diameter
41mm
Dial
blue
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MI
MichaelC
Jan 3, 2023

Both look great. I prefer the 15510. As much as I like the AP logo, I do not care for it and the full name scrunched together.

AR
ArmisT
Jan 3, 2023

I really like the fact you say the 15510 looks smaller compared to the empty plate look of the 15500. But I am a little saddened by the thinner, lighter, less robust bracelet which I always considered a feature contributing to the strong look of the RO. This is something I noticed on the ROC. But it doesnโ€™t seem to be a problem for you when wearing, which is good to know.

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