Patek Nautilus 5711 vs AP Royal Oak 15202 Ultimate comparison thread

[subtona]

I have received questions from members on several occasions regarding the considerations of the Patek 5711 vs the AP15202 (40 anniversary).
Previously I had responded in another members thread with a comprehensive reply but the thread was not titled in the most searchable terms.
So I have decided to share this with a more searchable title and hope it will provide some insight to potential owners regarding these two amazing and timeless watches. Below is my experience when ownership of each was fresh in my mind.


Pros
1)5711 will accommodate a smaller wrist better due to the shorter lug transition to bracelet. Overall the 5711 will accommodate a wider range of wrist sizes.
2)5711 has usable water resistance
3)5711 has a quickset date
4)5711 has a screw down crown
5)5711 has crown guards.

Pros
1)15202 is nearly identical to the original
2)15202 uses the original JLC movement
3)15202 fits a larger wrist better than anything I have owned.
4)15202 uses a color matched date wheel (much appreciated.) (1 of the few and minor changes from the original)
5)15202 the case finishing is magnificent.
6)15202 was Gentas first in 1972

Cons
1)5711 the movement has had some reliability issues specifically with the date advancement. update, the movment issues seem to be a thing of the past.
2)5711 does not use the original 2 hand movement (purchased by AP)
3)5711 the loss of the monocoque case (to provide a see through case back) is for me the most egregious departure from the original, not just for the aesthetics but because it altered the intent of the original design which only had access to the movment via the dial side.

Cons
1)15202 has a spring loaded clasp, not as foolproof as friction imho
2)very small crown is difficult to use (unintentionally pushes in while setting the date) which is amplified by the lack of a quickset date.
3)15202 WR does not recommend swimming. No screw down crown. (Although There is conflicting information.... This does not inspire confidence in this wearer.)
4)15202 the original style slimmer hands are considerably less visible in low light compared w the 5711 which is very good.

Imho as far as looks they are both magnificent and timeless, either could be chosen on looks without fault. For me it came down to practicality as a watch I could get a lot of wear out of and not have to be too concerned with. The 5711 is more equipped for this task, the case finishing hides routine marks better than the AP whose meticulously angular finishing, while beautiful was painful to see marked up in my experience with both my 15202 and SS Diver


PS subjectively, the Patek blue is just perfect. Enlarged pictures of the 15202 represent an incredibly balanced and beautiful dial however on the wrist much of the magic was lost in my experience, I would enjoy the sidecase view more than the dial side. On the other hand the 5711 on the wrist was considerably more compelling. Regarding the Patek 324 movment, I found it a bit boring and dated vs the AP historic, storied and quirky choice.
On paper the comparison is much closer than the moment they are on the wrist.

Original thread here :https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=433530


Here is another excellent comparison thread. https://www.fratellowatches.com/pate...uet-royal-oak/



I look forward to any additional facts, opinions and comments

[subtona]

The Royal oak was the original in 1972, followed by the Nautilus in 1976.

a quote comes to mind of a whiskey/whisky comparison...

“The Irish invented it but the Scotch perfected it.”


Everyone Please post pics if you have them.

[kneedeep]

Great post, Gus. Although the 5711 blue dial is legendary, one reason I really like the 5711 white dial is the matching date wheel background to the dial color which makes that dial perfect IMO.

[rebel_1]

Nice review and comparison! I ended up parting ways with my 15202 because I was soooo concerned with scratches. The rapid date adjustment is cool but a quickset is easier to deal with (I realize it’s the way it was first produced, but not ideal to live with).

I also prefer more wrist presence which is why I don’t think I’ll ever buy and keep a SS 5711.

As for the blue dial, I actually like the Jumbo more than the Nautilus. I currently have a 5712r and a 5726 1A/001. I prefer the extra heft of both but the 5726 is probably going to get flipped because I am not in love with the bracelet.

[Ichiran]

Brilliant comparison thread!

As I do not own the 15202 (ST or IP) and have only tried it briefly at the boutique, I'm not sure if the dial of the 15202 has a gradient like the 5711 (The 15202's dial looked flat at the boutique, though could be due to lighting). I really love the gradient on my 5711 under any lighting conditions.

Also, not really an important aspect, but I read about the AP/JLC movement not having the best chronometry or rate accuracy. Maybe owners of 15202 can confirm?

[RussW]

Great write up Gus. Question on the case of the AP - is this no longer monocoque too? I’m sure I read a post on purists a few years ago that the AP case had changed.

I also agree the 15202 looks better in photos than it does on the wrist.

[cwilson13]

Thanks for the write up.

I fall into the 5711 camp (as a biased owner).

This thread is desperate for pics of both.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by RussW

Great write up Gus. Question on the case of the AP - is this no longer monocoque too? I’m sure I read a post on purists a few years ago that the AP case had changed.

I also agree the 15202 looks better in photos than it does on the wrist.

I don’t believe that the AP was ever a monocoque as it was designed from inception to be bolted front through to the back?.

[RussW]

Originally Posted by subtona

I don’t believe that the AP was ever a monocoque as it was designed from inception to be bolted front through to the back.

This was the thread I was thinking of: https://www.watchprosite.com/?page=w...906&pi=8675436

Seems a bit inconclusive but there’s a photo that shows what looks to be a change in case design.

[martinr]

I had both at the same time and felt the 15202 had a more masculine look on my wrist. (Am I allowed to say that in these days of political correctness?) 5711 was also more accurate, off maybe two or three seconds a day, my 15202 was consistently off about ten seconds a day.

[chad362wiley]

5711. ap is better in 41mm for me.

[benlee]

Not very sure how such comparison review threads can ever be objective because both watches are classics for their respective brands and are sold primarily based on their looks, and looks are subjective and it's hard to reach consensus. I also have to disagree with "15202 not looking good on the wrist" because I find it immensely attractive and will even go so far as to say it's the best blue dial watch available currently.

By contrasts, many love the 5711A but it doesn't sing to me at all. I find it boring/dull and that dial looks like a warehouse garage door. But in RG, it's a totally different beast entirely.

[superdog]

One hell of a write up. Impressive Gus.

Thanks for the efforts.

[toucan]

I like them both better in gold! :)

[thomaspp]

Great great post my friend and the reason to stay in the forums!

Both are really great watches BUT being into vintage watches myself, I really like how close the 15202 is to the 5402. I think my ultimate twosome of these two is a 3700 and a 15202 for that reason. Best


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[incontrol]

Great write up Gus. I remember reading a lot of this when you first posted your thoughts. I agree with everything you state. My highest concer, and the reason I never bought one, is the lack of a quickset date. It would drive me crazy trying to set the RO Jumbo every 30 day month.

I also remember an article by WatchTime where the accuracy of the movement was not up to others at this level.


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[SL BRABUS]

Great write up Gus.....

I would like to add this old posts (IMHO) when it come down to AP Royal Oak vs Nautilus vs Aquanaut in the past....

Originally Posted by SL BRABUS

I did my homework....

And I could say IMHO.....

No way I would buy a Audemars Piguet Royal Oak...

Because.....

1. Brand identity is no where near Rolex and Patek Philippe...

2. No quick set on the date.....

3. Most Royal Oak & Royal Oak Offshore have problem with their crown....

Conclusion.... I vote Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711



Date setting...^^^...



Eric explain about Royal Oak & Royal Oak Offshore having problem with their crown...^^^...

Check out the example of the video....^^^....

Again this is just my opinion....

Do your homework and find out what watch is right for you....

Originally Posted by SL BRABUS

It is what it is....

Audemars Piguet will never be Patek Philippe caliber as brand wise.....

When someone ask which brand would you pick Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe.... Patek Philippe will always win......

When someone make a polls like this they obviously want a Patek Philippe but which models..... Because they have a doubt on the models that they picking... With the Audemara Piguet they even have more doubt to the brand and models......

When they can't get a hold of the popular Patek Philippe sport models they go tend to go for Audemara Piguet such as Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore.....

When it come down to which watch models Petek Philippe will win most of it...

Example:

15400ST or #15202ST or 15300st vs 5711....... 5711 will win by a landslide.....

15400ST or #15202ST or 15300st vs 5164....... 5164 will most likely win by a landslide too.....

I kind of surprise 4 out of 1 would pick AP15300st..... I thought it would be a closer race.....

At this moment since your poll result came out like this.... If your poll would to be 5167 on bracelet plus tropical strap, the 5167 will win by a landslide......

I vote 5167 because it a Patek Philippe plus it the only model that can change to 3 different type of Patek Philippe original equipment manufacturer strap such as bracelet, rubber, and crocodile leather strap with pin buckle or Calatrava cross deployant clasp....

[vlps]

I own the 5167a, 5711 blue, and 15202 blue...these 3 for me are the most desirable time only sports watches. I love them all equally and each has their pros and cons. funny enough I wear the aquanaut the most out of the 3, probably because its the lightest and less worry about banging it on something. The thing that bugs me about the 5711 is the white date window, at least on the 5167a it somewhat blends with the numerals/dial setup but it stands out a bit more than I'd like on the nautilus. For the 15202 I dislike no quick set date, but there is a trick where you move time past midnight then backwards 2 hours to 10 pm than past midnight again to at least quickly shift through the dates but its not as fast as quick set. for me, all 3 are a vital part of my collection.

[singe89]

Like them both but one is the original and one was designed as a woman’s watch.

https://www.watchfinder.com/articles...t-royal-oak-vs

[martinr]

Originally Posted by singe89

Like them both but one is the original and one was designed as a woman’s watch.

https://www.watchfinder.com/articles...t-royal-oak-vs

Forty plus years later they’re “all gender” just like a restroom.

[appa666]

Both legendary.
Despite the SS watch bubble and difficulties of obtaining one, I would love to have both in my collection at MSRP.

However, considering the realities, i think its redundant to own both. Take your chance for something different, when I had chance to choose my Nautilus I went for 5712 instead.

Ultimately speaking, its not redundant to own both in your collection. Jumbo is more true to the OG genta design with lack of second hand, and 5711 is three handed with quick date set.
I will be more than happy to have both, but only if I am paying zero premiums, and it doesnt effect my other collection choice.

[Karbo]

Royal oak is the chef d’oeuvre of his life

« you my Royal Oak are the chef d’œuvre of my career, made by the Artisans du Brassus, you are the magic realisation of a childhood dream »

[subtona]

Originally Posted by RussW

This was the thread I was thinking of: https://www.watchprosite.com/?page=w...906&pi=8675436

Seems a bit inconclusive but there’s a photo that shows what looks to be a change in case design.

Interesting post. Not certain if the original jumbo case was a 2 piece or 3 piece case vs new, in either design the case construction still appears to be dependent on the bezel screws through to the back.

In contrast to the 5711 screw down case back


Note The addition of the sapphire case back added a slight thickness to the AP

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by toucan

I like them both better in gold! :)

[GB-man]

I’ve come to realize neither suits me. I’ve tried and moved on.

[codecow]

The AP is the onion in your garden whereas the 5711 is the sprinkles on your ice cream.

[beshannon]

I looked at both, I went with this

[superdog]

Originally Posted by beshannon

I looked at both, I went with this

an absolutely beauty of a watch.

great picture too.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by SL BRABUS

Great write up Gus.....

I would like to add this old posts (IMHO) when it come down to AP Royal Oak vs Nautilus vs Aquanaut in the past....

Great info,

Thanks for adding

[V25V]

Originally Posted by singe89

Like them both but one is the original and one was designed as a woman’s watch.

https://www.watchfinder.com/articles...t-royal-oak-vs

Figured someone was eventually gonna post this....


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