Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15305OR Review
Review

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15305OR Review

By christianch · Apr 6, 2016 · 25 replies
christianch
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
25 replies7337 views9 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Christianch shares a personal and visual review of his Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15305OR, a watch he pursued for three years. This article highlights the unique appeal of skeletonized movements and the emotional connection collectors form with rare and distinctive timepieces. His experience underscores the enduring allure of specific references in the luxury watch market.

As there are already some other excellent review of this watch I will however share my latest incoming and a visual review!
I have first seen and tried the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15305OR in 2013. It was unfortunately out of my price range so back then I opted for the very nice day-date that shared
many happy moments with me.

Three years (and several watches later) I couldn't forget the love for this skeleton open-work royal oak.  With many incomings I didn't plan to get this but it is the last available here: in the future
the focus will be in the new 41mm model (not yet available with leather strap and perhaps too big for my wrist). Given that even when this watch was in full production it was fairly difficult to 
get one. So it was now or probably never and -- as you can expect -- I went for now smile


The watch is 39mm and 9.40 mm thick so even less thicker than the day-date that is 10.25 mm.





The gold clasp is the same of my previous day date.  Not the most comfortable but I got used to it

 


The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15305OR is powered by the automatic caliber 3129 that is essentially a open-work skeleton caliber 3120 that is used in other reliable watches like the
AP royal oak offshore diver.  

 

There is a lot of work in the movement. There are just few people in the manufacture working on skeletonised movements so production is fairly limited. 




Here a first photo at sunlight !




The Royal Oak in general wears fairly big so at 39mm is ideal for my wrist. 




Inside the boutique -- mostly due to the lights -- make the movement to appear darker  than it really is.




There is something fantastic in the possibility to see the movement all the time. Legibility is pretty good and I am confident that one will grow even more accustomed to it.  The presence of a lume 
on the hands is also very welcome. 


 

In conclusion this watch is a pure work of art and high-horology.  Such a spectacular result requires a lot of work and this is certainly reflected in the price.  
Pretty much all watches at this price level have to be a love affair. Open-work skeleton movements are probably not for everyone but I feel that this watch will always have a distinctive
role in a collection. To me it was a long love affair! I am really happy that I can now enjoy it.  My plan is to wear it as much as I can and admire the true artistic expression of this watch. 

Thanks again for reading this review and for the help in the decision-making process!!
Christian





This message has been edited by christianch on 2016-04-06 17:07:24

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15305

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15305 is a notable variant within the Royal Oak line, distinguished by its openworked dial and movement, offering a direct view into the intricate mechanics. This reference represents a more elaborate and technically complex interpretation of the standard Royal Oak, appealing to collectors who appreciate haute horlogerie and the art of skeletonization. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a less common sight compared to its solid-dial counterparts. The openworked design allows for an appreciation of the finishing and architecture of the movement, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.

The watch features a 39 mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, maintaining the classic Royal Oak proportions. It houses the self-winding Caliber 3120, which is meticulously openworked and finished to expose its components. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed octagonal bezel, a signature element of the Royal Oak, is also in 18k yellow gold.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Royal Oak with an enhanced level of mechanical artistry and exclusivity. Its openworked nature sets it apart from more common Royal Oak models, positioning it as a piece that highlights Audemars Piguet's technical prowess in movement decoration and design. The 18k yellow gold construction further emphasizes its premium status. While not a double-signed piece as mentioned in the collector's post, the 15305 stands on its own as a significant openworked Royal Oak.

Specifications

Caliber
3120
Case
18k Yellow Gold
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
MI
MichaelC
Apr 6, 2016

It is the kind of watch you will discover new things on every time you wear it. One warning - production definitely goes down when you wear that watch... trust me ;-)

TY
Tyo
Apr 6, 2016

Congratulation, really nice catch

CH
christianch
Apr 6, 2016

I made a good choice and will enjoy this watch for many years, perhaps it will put a stop to my growing collection

M4
M4
Apr 6, 2016

Beautiful timepiece. Congratulations! M4

CL
Clueless_Collector
Apr 6, 2016

than Nautilus. I also love RG and brown leather, great looking watch. Congrats! Rgds Raymond

CA
CaptainCrunch
Apr 6, 2016

distinct to me. Have you tried pairing it with a chocolate brown alligator strap? Congratulations again on the watch. Do enjoy it in best of health.

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Audemars Piguet forum with 25 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →