15202 vs 15300 - is it just the seconds hand?

[Gourdman]

Originally Posted by Caramba

Congratulations on your recent purchase of the Audemars Piguet 15300! I understand you're curious about the differences between the 15300 and the Royal Oak Jumbo (15202). Let me provide you with some insights.

The Royal Oak Jumbo (15202) is a direct successor to the original Royal Oak (5402) from the 1970s. It maintains the same proportions, thickness, dial layout, and petite tapisserie pattern. Crucially, it shares the same movement as the original Royal Oak. Enthusiasts often regard it as a more elegant and delicate version of the Royal Oak, with a dial that is highly praised for its beauty.

When it comes to the movement, it's worth noting that both the original Royal Oak and the original Nautilus (3700-1A) from the 1970s used movements based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 920. The Royal Oak Jumbo (15202) continues this tradition by utilizing the same movement. On the other hand, the Nautilus transitioned to an in-house movement (Patek Philippe Caliber 324 SC) in 2006. Consequently, while the 15300 shares a similar historical context to the Nautilus 5711, it is not marketed as the "original Royal Oak."

From 2005 to 2012, Audemars Piguet offered both the 15202 and the 15300, both with a diameter of 39mm. However, the 15300 featured a modern movement, while the 15202 retained the original 1970s movement. Many believe that AP shifted to the larger 41mm case size with the introduction of the 15400 in 2012 because the popularity of the 15300 was overshadowing the 15202. This parallel story resembles the situation with the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, where the newer model gained even more popularity than its predecessor.

Production numbers for the 15300 remained relatively consistent at around 2000 units per year, while the 15202 intentionally had significantly lower production quantities, making it relatively scarce.

If we look at the modern iterations of the Royal Oak, such as the 15500 and 15510, it's evident that Audemars Piguet has successfully created a greater distinction from the Jumbo (15202/16202). The new 16202 offers a completely new in-house movement, addressing one of the significant weaknesses of the old movement in the 15202—the lack of a quick-set date.

Currently, there seems to be a trend where the popularity of the 15202 is declining. The 15300 is trading at around half the price of the 15202, making it a bargain in my personal opinion.

I hope this provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between the 15300 and the Royal Oak Jumbo (15202). Enjoy your new timepiece!

Is this… chatgpt


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[Armis]

Originally Posted by Vince_76

Prefer the 15300, but both beautiful watches. 15202 comes across as more formal. Would rather have a seconds hand as well

Agreed

[namelesswatchguy]

I think sadly for current owners, the 16202 really obsoleted the 15202. I love my 15300 (same one as OP) and swim in it with confidence. I don’t know why AP won’t make more 39mm watches; it’s the perfect size.


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[7sins]

Owned a 15300 and multiple 15202's. Absolutely no contest, would take the 15202 every time. There is something magical about it on the wrist that you just don't get with the 15300, it is hard to articulate but try one on and see for yourself.

[m3tek44]

15202 is also thinner compare to 15300.

[V25V]

Where does everyone feel the value is currently at with a blue 15300? Assuming full set.

[Caramba]

Originally Posted by V25V

Where does everyone feel the value is currently at with a blue 15300? Assuming full set.

They seem to be available for around 35-37 kUSD (~50 k SGD) in Singapore currently (full sets).


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[aa_watch]

15300 is good as a daily and best value.
15202 is much more fragile.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by Caramba

They seem to be available for around 35-37 kUSD (~50 k SGD) in Singapore currently (full sets).




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Yeah, I was debating selling mine now that my 16202 is here but think i'll keep both. They are far more different in person than I expected.

Originally Posted by aa_watch

15300 is good as a daily and best value.
15202 is much more fragile.

Oddly enough, I find the jumbo more jewelry like but not really fragile.

[Rolexavidfan]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I respectfully disagree. The Jumbo definitely has it's place in the AP portfolio, and will/should remain there in close to original form forever (even if now we have the non-monocoque case, display case back, new movement etc). But the proportions of the 41mm RO/ROC and the 37mm RO are much more contemporary, IMO, and I like that AP for the most part does not deal in nostalgia.

I second the motion here. All 3 sizes have their respective places with collectors. 15202/16202 (updated) will always be special. But for practical use, the 37/41mm with seconds hand and non flare / non cuff lugs win in my book.


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