Rolex Sky Dweller or Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500

[Texex]

I've seen versions of this discussion before but they have not fit my exact situation. I am trying to decide between the Sky Dweller blue dial at retail price and the new AP 15500 in black or grey at a 10-15% discount so $16,320 to $17,280. A little background. I like the AP a little better but would like a blue dial. My AD said the blue dials on the 15500's are AP boutique items only. Other AD's won't get any so limited to black or grey. Called all 6 US based boutiques and they would not even allow me to get on a list for a blue one.
Existing customers only. Also, please don't suggest the AP 15202. I would kill for one of those but they are also boutique only and when I called they told me I would need a spend history of $150K to get on the list which is ridiculous. So its Blue Sky Dweller at $14,400 or a black/grey 15500 at $17K ish. Both are about a 6 month wait for me. I've got 4 rolex currently and no APs. Either of these choices would be the "dressiest" in my collection. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Also, anyone who has both (or the 15400), would love to see a comparison. My wrist is 7 inches and flat and i often wear a 42MM Explorer II. I've also tried a friends 15400 on and several PM Sky Dwellers so I have a good idea of size. Want them both but can only have 1 for now.

[Etschell]

Sky dweller is such a more interesting piece. You are talking 3 hander versus annual gmt.

In the end you have to decide. Basic ap or complex Rolex. I know my answer. Do you know yours?

[Fort Rolex]

I’m wearing the blue skydweller as I type, guy next to me has a silver dial 15400 on. AP is AP and the RO is iconic, but between the two I prefer the SkyD (and would with black or white dial as well). What you’re getting for 14k and from Rolex no less is tough to beat

Ironically Exp II 42 polar is what I wear most of the time - my favorite watch.

Enjoy the chase and debate it’s the most fun part!

[DoctorA]

AP is a piece of jewelry with less complication than the stunning skydweller. The annual calendar, GMT and beautiful blue dial makes it the easy choice between the two

[LeftCoastBias]

Edited: sorry, I thought you meant a discount on the 15500 for the grey market.

Are you telling us your AD will give you a 10-15% discount on the 15500??

[enjoythemusic]

SkyD and wait for blue AP.

[pepsiretail]

You claim to be getting 15% off a 15500? Your AD is taking a risk to make you happy.

In Canada retail plus tax and you are happy to get the watch.

Both great pieces and really up to you to decide.

[s14roller]

I'd take the 15500 personally.

[cleanupinaisle3]

The SkyD does nothing for me beside a Royal Oak. You already have 4 Rolexes!


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[pkrussel]

I’d take the 15500 all day, especially at 10-15% off! That’s unheard of from my little AP knowledge. I’d love to get a black dial 15500 for 10% off.

[007timer]

I would do the AP. Maybe I am the only one giving you this feedback. But having 4 Rolex watches, I would want to have something different.


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[inadeje]

I had this dilemma some time ago, albeit with Rolex Daytona white dial or the RO 26331ST white dial panda. I went with RO over the much sought after Daytona C. Love the watch but later bought the Daytona C black dial.

[FrontHeadlock]

1. The AP Royal Oak is much more elegant looking. The SkyDweller is a little wonky aesthetically.

2. The Annual Calendar is one of the most overrated complications.

So in sum, get the AP.

[socalwatchcollector]

Originally Posted by frontheadlock

1. The ap royal oak is much more elegant looking. The skydweller is a little wonky aesthetically.

2. The annual calendar is one of the most overrated complications.

So in sum, get the ap.

+1

[Hound]

I have the white dial skydweller and love it. However if you are looking for a more dressy yet still sporty piece the AP will be hard to beat as it is more dressy IMHO. Having owned both brands my opinion is that rolex are more sturdy and reliable but AP have a style that if you like it is very hard to beat. The bracelet integrating with the watch dial is beautiful.

In a nutshell, both are great.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

SkyD and wait for blue AP.

Blue AP is never going to happen, can't even get on the wait list for one and my AD is not a boutique so he won't get one. If I could get a blue 15500 I would not have had to make this post, would be an easy choice.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by pepsiretail

You claim to be getting 15% off a 15500? Your AD is taking a risk to make you happy.

In Canada retail plus tax and you are happy to get the watch.

Both great pieces and really up to you to decide.

Yup, that's what the AD said, $500 deposit, 6 to 9 month wait and he could do 10-15%. I was surprised too but I am riding on the coat tails of my buddy who's spent 100K there in the last 3 or so years including his wifes ring and 2 APs. The discount came with his introduction. I actually don't even live in that state but flew into town to meet the AD. Hopefully worth the $400 in airfare.

[TooWoundUp]

100% a 15500. You can't compare the two. AP is on another level.

[HODDS]

Sky D is a much better looking watch to me. Especially with blue dial!!

[myc ritz]

Both wear bigger, and I would go 15500. The bracelet is a disco ball of pure class.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Texex

Blue AP is never going to happen

Wait for a used blue 15500 to go up for sale. But hey, if you don't mind settling.... Personally, i don't buy timepieces i have to 'settle' for. Obviously you want the blue AP, you know what you have to do :)

[epc2]

Both are nice watches in you case I'd go with the AP blue from a Boutique and sacrifice the discount from the AD , be patience and you'll get one.

[Brny11]

Rolex elite complications vs unique beauty and design of Royal Oak. Very tough IMO, but AP is not for everyone. So it is ultimately your decision. I find the SD to be beautiful and interesting. I would 100% go with Rolex here but wouldn’t hate on the AP by any means.

[dba]

Always a Rolex over an AP.

[joli160]

AP's do nothing for me, easy choice the SkyD.

[georgekart]

Having tried the SkyD, I immediately stopped liking it. IMO it's too thick for a dressy watch with curved lugs. If I could get a 15500 grey at a discount I'd jump at it and not look back.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Texex

Yup, that's what the AD said, $500 deposit, 6 to 9 month wait and he could do 10-15%. I was surprised too but I am riding on the coat tails of my buddy who's spent 100K there in the last 3 or so years including his wifes ring and 2 APs. The discount came with his introduction. I actually don't even live in that state but flew into town to meet the AD. Hopefully worth the $400 in airfare.

Not sure that discount would really apply in a few months when the watch comes thru, esp if your friend is not continuing his buying spree with them. I'd just choose the watch you want the most, but the blue SkyD will be near impossible to get unless this AD sells them too.

[vipergts66]

My recommendation is to try both of them on. I have a 15500, it actually wears bigger than it seems cause of its shape and it’s thin. I have a 6.5” wrist.

I’m also in the market for a SkyD SS in blue/white but it is a heftier watch, much thicker too. Less legible. Honestly I’m sure in the end you’ll end up with both at one point or another, we all do ��

But they’re pretty distinct watches, go with what looks and feels best on the wrist.

[Mike Jab]

I prefer the 15400 to the 15500 so i'd go with the skydweller in this matchup. If it was a 15300, 15202 or 15400, AP all the way.