Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for Small Wrists
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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for Small Wrists

By dylan61 · Apr 5, 2014 · 28 replies
dylan61
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Dylan61 initiates a crucial discussion for collectors with smaller wrists, sharing his personal quest for the ideal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak fit. His detailed comparison of the 15202, 39mm Royal Oak Chrono, and 15450 offers invaluable insights. This thread aims to guide fellow enthusiasts through the challenges of finding a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing Royal Oak for smaller wrist sizes.

Good Sunday everyone,

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!














About the Audemars Piguet Ref. 15400

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15400 represents a pivotal moment in the iconic collection s evolution, introduced in 2012 as the successor to the beloved 15300. This reference marked the transition to a larger 41mm case size while maintaining the essential design DNA established by Gérald Genta s revolutionary 1972 original. The 15400 served as the flagship time-only Royal Oak for nearly a decade, embodying the perfect balance between contemporary sizing preferences and the model s legendary octagonal architecture. Its significance lies in bridging the gap between vintage proportions and modern wrist presence, making it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both heritage and wearability.

At the heart of the 15400 beats the manufacture Caliber 3120, a self-winding movement that showcases Audemars Piguet s horological mastery through its 22k gold rotor and 60-hour power reserve. This robust caliber features a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and incorporates the brand s commitment to finishing excellence, visible through the sapphire caseback with its Geneva stripes, circular graining, and beveled edges. The movement s architecture reflects decades of refinement, delivering reliable timekeeping while maintaining the slim profile essential to the Royal Oak s elegant proportions.

The 15400 s design epitomizes the Royal Oak s distinctive aesthetic codes: the integrated steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished surfaces, the iconic octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, and the Grande Tapisserie decorated dial that creates mesmerizing light play. The silver dial variant particularly exemplifies the model s versatility, offering a refined backdrop for the applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands. From a collectibility standpoint, the 15400 has achieved significant recognition as the last generation of the 41mm time-only Royal Oak before the introduction of the current 15500, positioning it as a modern classic that captures both the model s evolutionary peak and its enduring appeal among discerning collectors.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.3120
Case
steel
Diameter
41mm
Dial
silver
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
AM
amanico
Apr 5, 2014

Easy to see that on your wrist, the Watch doesn't sit nicely. Did you try to remove some links from the bracelet? It may be a solution! Best, Nicolas

RA
radone
Apr 5, 2014

It has to do with the position of the clasp on the inner bracelet, especially on the single folding clasps. Try to put the inner clsap on the middle of the inside wrist, even if the outside button will be a bit aside. In the picture below, I removed all the links in the left side, it was the maximum I could do. With a larger wrist, if you and two more links on the right side, the clasp will be right under the case. Please note that the exterior button is a bit aside.

JX
jxnco
Apr 5, 2014

Reason why I said "had" instead of "have" is not because I found a solution. It's because I gave up wearing a royal oak. I too have a 6 inch wrist and the closest one that I got to having a good fit is the 39 mm chrono. I did not try the 37mm as I don't want to go below 39mm for the same reason as yours. The lugs just stick out too much. You might have a better chance with the gold models as they come in leather. Just make sure you get a softer strap so it wraps better on your wrist.

DY
dylan61
Apr 6, 2014

Nicolas, The pictures are of the watches with links already removed.. Unsized it is even worse! Deep down I probably know 39mm is too big, but am deluding myself and refusing to accept defeat.. Lol

DY
dylan61
Apr 6, 2014

for the tip Radone.. For the above pieces I just let the jeweller size them for me, did not specially ask for clasp to be below the centre.. If I go for a smaller RO I would probably go for the 15450.. Fits perfectly without much effort.. Just wish the dial was not so shiny and eye catching..

AM
amanico
Apr 6, 2014

I can understand your frustration... Best, Nicolas

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