A remarkable story of a Royal Oak Chronograph 39mm I have always been in love with the not so limited, limited series of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph City of Sails in Steel at 39mm. All 39mm ROCs have a special place in my heart with the Gerald Genta DNA and 39mm original size even if t
A remarkable story of a Royal Oak Chronograph 39mm
I have always been in love with the not so limited, limited series of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph City of Sails in Steel at 39mm. All 39mm ROCs have a special place in my heart with the Gerald Genta DNA and 39mm original size even if the thickness is way higher.
So how does this story unfold. It was a Thursday and the local AP House had put on a small party and I go and have a great time. I get to see the 15500st in Blue which I really like and met a guy who was totally into hardcore sail boat racing and competing himself. What an amazing guy and I listened for 2 hours straight.
After leaving I was so inspired I needed to get a new AP, (some of you might know the feeling) so I go online and hit all the well known places β¦ nothing special most of the watches are overpriced or rocked down and then I see an ad from a private person with a City of Sails with papers for sale.
I contact him and we meet 2 days later. I have seen so many City of Sails and other ROCs normally polished down to their foundations and I have heard all stories why they sell and where they are from and why the box is missing ..... and I always buy the watch and the seller. Both has to be convincing.
This guy was normal and not into watches at all and pulls out a scratched but unpolished AP ROC 39mm City of Sails in otherwise great condition. How is that possible after 17 years? I ask him and here comes the remarkable and also beautiful story.
His Father a successful business man bought this watch overseas in Africa in 2002 and wore it for around 3 years before he sadly passed away and inherited the watch to his son. He put it in the safe and never wore it. only wearing his Daytona, which I do understand. So it was laying in the safe for 14 years and then he decided to possibly selling it to me. Even the leather strap is 17 years old and still in working condition. With papers. Incredible to get such an old watch in fairly good condition.
So we agree on the deal and I go to check it out with our AP House who are impressively helpful, this AP House concept makes me want to be part of the brand even more. They look at the papers and its all legit, I am happy. Then they check out the watch performance and after 17 years it still has full power and a 2 seconds a day. This is pure amazing a 17 year watch running perfectly only few watchmakers can do this. I have never been more happy with an AP and being an AP customer in the AP Family.
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
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15500ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15500ST was introduced in 2019, succeeding the 15400ST as the primary time-and-date model in the 41mm Royal Oak collection. This reference marked a significant update, featuring a new in-house movement and subtle aesthetic refinements that distinguish it from its predecessor. It maintains the core design principles of the Royal Oak, offering a contemporary interpretation of the brand's signature sport watch. Its introduction was part of a broader refresh of Audemars Piguet's core collection.
This reference is housed in a 41mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.4mm, characteristic of the Royal Oak's integrated design. It is powered by the in-house Calibre 4302, an automatic movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing a power reserve of 70 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal on both the front and the display caseback, allowing for a view of the movement. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters, consistent with its intended use as a luxury sport watch.
The 15500ST appeals to collectors seeking a modern Royal Oak with updated technical specifications. It was available with several dial colors, including blue, grey, black, and silver, each featuring the "Grande Tapisserie" pattern. The integrated stainless steel bracelet remains a defining characteristic, providing a cohesive look and feel. This reference represents an evolution in the Royal Oak lineage, offering enhanced performance and a refined presence on the wrist.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Calibre 4302
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 41mm
- Dial
- Blue, Grey, Black, Silver
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
