SIHH 2019: Royal Oak 15500 Detailed Explanation and Live Pics>>>>>>>

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Well good on you for taking a bold stance lol basically calling the new 15500 trash.

“all we can say is that the Royal Oak ref. 15400 is much superior despite the use of calibre 3120 and a watch that will be dearly missed from AP’s lineup. In reality the 15400 is by far a much better looking Royal Oak when compared to the new 15500. ”

I call a spade a spade. Otherwise, enjoy reading the dink.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Turki.5

Any idea about the retail price of steel 15500 ?

It's there on my article.

[aporrolex]

Thanks a lot Mr. H!!!

This is the best comparison I ever seen between 15500 and 15400!

I much prefer 15400 than 15500 :)

[SSCosmo]

Nice write-up and comparison. Makes me wish I bought a 15400 before SIHH....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[MGrayLondon]

After visiting Le Brassus last week after SIHH, I can confirm that whilst discontinued the 15400 is still being produced at the manufacture to complete pending orders. There is still a chance for those who would like one to grab one before production ceases.

[Chute]

Why were there no pictures taken of the movement?
Was it not allowed?
I ask because none of the reviews of the 15500 show the case back.

[RolexZen]

Originally Posted by Chute

Why were there no pictures taken of the movement?
Was it not allowed?
I ask because none of the reviews of the 15500 show the case back.

There have been a few, including in the article posted by the OP. But you are correct--most watch sites are not including pictures of the movement through the sapphire caseback. The pictures of the rotor we have seen on the 15500 do not match the rotor shown on AP's website, so I wouldn't be surprised if watch sites were told that the 15500 display models were prototypes and do not have the final rotor.

[eonflux]

Great article!

I like the 15500, a good update.

[jojosnr]

I dont understand the use of the seconds marker ring. It cheapens the dial.

[P2725TMB]

Deleted - I posted in the wrong thread!

[SMD]

Originally Posted by RolexZen

There have been a few, including in the article posted by the OP. But you are correct--most watch sites are not including pictures of the movement through the sapphire caseback. The pictures of the rotor we have seen on the 15500 do not match the rotor shown on AP's website, so I wouldn't be surprised if watch sites were told that the 15500 display models were prototypes and do not have the final rotor.

Given the historic “reliability” of APs website, I would guess that it’s wrong and what we have seen is correct.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by SMD

Given the historic “reliability” of APs website, I would guess that it’s wrong and what we have seen is correct.

[Submarino]

I just updated the article on the new 15500 with better pictures of the new calibre 4302. Enjoy!

https://www.watchcollectinglifestyle...19-introducing

[masterserg]

I still think the 3120 looks nicer.

[dmb359]

Updated pictures look nice.

It's a good sporty design, but I also prefer the 15400 for a variety of reasons. I like the longer markers, the marker next to the date, having something printed on the bottom half, and the .6mm thinner case.

Don't think I'll be trading mine for a 15500.

[ezinhk]

Shorter hour markers and removing “automatic “ is their way of cutting cost yet still increase margins. PP wouldn’t do that...LOL.

[Carry The Interest]

Originally Posted by ezinhk

Shorter hour markers and removing “automatic “ is their way of cutting cost yet still increase margins. PP wouldn’t do that...LOL.

I assume the "Automatic" removal was partly due to them getting some flack on the previous references. In my humble opinion, I think its pretty silly to have the word "Automatic" be the only thing present on the bottom half of a dial for a watch like this. To your point though - yes, I agree not having "Automatic" there definitely removes one step of (existing) complication from the dial manufacturing process.

Where I definitely think they are cutting costs on the new reference is with the minute markers. Instead of having them applied directly to the tapisserie dial they are a separate piece/ring that surrounds the tapisserie dial. This simplifies the manufacturing process for the tapisserie dial and the possibility of scrapping a dial by screwing up on applying the minute markers. Now instead all they need to do is make the dial, a thin surrounding ring for minute markers, and apply the latter to the former. Call me a freaking weirdo, but what I find interesting is the area where the tapisserie dial, minute markers, and date window all intersect. In some of the high res photos, you'll see what I mean.

[ezinhk]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

I assume the "Automatic" removal was partly due to them getting some flack on the previous references. In my humble opinion, I think its pretty silly to have the word "Automatic" be the only thing present on the bottom half of a dial for a watch like this. To your point though - yes, I agree not having "Automatic" there definitely removes one step of (existing) complication from the dial manufacturing process.

Where I definitely think they are cutting costs on the new reference is with the minute markers. Instead of having them applied directly to the tapisserie dial they are a separate piece/ring that surrounds the tapisserie dial. This simplifies the manufacturing process for the tapisserie dial and the possibility of scrapping a dial by screwing up on applying the minute markers. Now instead all they need to do is make the dial, a thin surrounding ring for minute markers, and apply the latter to the former. Call me a freaking weirdo, but what I find interesting is the area where the tapisserie dial, minute markers, and date window all intersect. In some of the high res photos, you'll see what I mean.

and if you look at all the other releases this year, AP is running out of ideas.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by ezinhk

Shorter hour markers and removing “automatic “ is their way of cutting cost yet still increase margins. PP wouldn’t do that...LOL.

I really doubt that would reduce any cost.