Seeking advice on possibly incoming 15450ST white/silver dial.

[breads1]

So I've been on the hunt for an AP for 2-3 years now and actually almost bought a 15450 at the height of the madness for ~40k.

Fast forward to now I have an opportunity to get a full set for ~28k. Is this fair at current market state? How much more can I really save by waiting?

I chose 15450 vs 15300 as my wrists are on the smaller side ~6.1" or so. I still wonder if I should go 15300 but I reckon the 15450 will fit my wrists better and the cheapest full set 15300 I can find are in the low to mid 30s so I'm also saving a bit of cash going with the more modern 15450.

Another question I ponder is whether I shell out the extra 7-10k or so for the newer ref 15550.. in my mind I don't think it's worth it as a secondary market buyer. This would also be my first AP coming from a DJ41 and DD40 so I don't have many qualms about the differences between the two models. They are both beautiful to me.

Just want to hear you guys thoughts and any opinions you may have on the topic.

TIA!

[In-N-Out]

not sure about the 15450 specifically, but second hand prices will more likely than not drop further across all brands/models. I doubt we have seen the bottom yet. not a lot of positive economic indicators outside of job report, which doesn't really highlight anything too positive in the white collar labor market.

with that said, the only advice one can give is: if you can afford the current price and don't plan to sell, and want it now, then just get it and forget about resale value. just enjoy it

another thing to consider: have you tried going into the boutique? a 15550 especially in silver is not too difficult to get even as a first piece. need to put some effort in but you can probably get the ball rolling on that front if you decide to wait for secondary prices to come down on the 15450 for another 6-12 months

[westbeach]

Originally Posted by In-N-Out

not sure about the 15450 specifically, but second hand prices will more likely than not drop further across all brands/models. I doubt we have seen the bottom yet. not a lot of positive economic indicators outside of job report, which doesn't really highlight anything too positive in the white collar labor market.

with that said, the only advice one can give is: if you can afford the current price and don't plan to sell, and want it now, then just get it and forget about resale value. just enjoy it

another thing to consider: have you tried going into the boutique? a 15550 especially in silver is not too difficult to get even as a first piece. need to put some effort in but you can probably get the ball rolling on that front if you decide to wait for secondary prices to come down on the 15450 for another 6-12 months

15550 in Silver will be very difficult at the boutique. It’s no longer produced.

[Vince_76]

28k is middle of the fairway for a fullset nowadays. I’d say the price is fair, but not a steal. Totally up to you, I think prices will likely drop further, but if it’s your time nothing wrong with scooping it up now.

Re: 15550 vs 15450 - these are stylistically pretty different, and definitely wear different. Try going to some grays to see which you like best.

[cascavel]

Buy the 15450, and do it now. If you wait for prices to drop further your bank may go under and if you're parked in stocks they will drop long before watch prices catch up.
It's a great watch and the 15550 has no advantages over it.

[moting]

Originally Posted by westbeach

15550 in Silver will be very difficult at the boutique. It’s no longer produced.

Is it confirmed? I saw it disappearing from the website

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by moting

Is it confirmed? I saw it disappearing from the website

That's a pretty strong indication AP used to keep things around on the "current collection" page for a while even after they had become difficult to acquire.

[fullofboats]

Also consider the 14790 if you’re cool with a vintage-y look and jumbo-like thickness alternative. 36mm // 8mm thick // cheaper than a 15450 I think

[ts3]

Never liked the 15450. Just too thick for the size, both overall and the bezel. I'd go 14790 or Mini Jumbo 14700 or, if you have to buy modern, try to get a 15550 at a boutique.

[breads1]

Appreciate the insight and comments guys. Can maybe seeing the 15450 on secondary trading for retail/slightly under at most and I'm not worried about that downside with an entry a 28k.

I have been trying with a boutique for years and now they want me to get codes before even getting on list for a RO. Not sure if the experience is different for you guys but I'm not buying a code to do that.

I've done much research regarding the older vintage 36mm models and it's not really my speed. I much prefer the modern models myself. Coming from Rolexes I think the 15450 is not bulky at all, however I've never seen the 15550 in person yet and reading about the new proportions it does sound like an upgrade for sure. But like I said, seems like getting the 550 for retail is impossible right now and secondary market is trading for ~10k above 15450s at the moment which I'm not sure is worth it.

[gregouille]

Also 15450 is AP movement while the new 15550 no...

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Also 15450 is AP movement while the new 15550 no...

Really? That’s the first I’ve heard of it…

[breads1]

Originally Posted by gregouille

Also 15450 is AP movement while the new 15550 no...

Also first time hearing this.. can anyone confirm this?

[gregouille]

Yes no one is actually talking about it but the movement in the 15450 is the CALIBRE 3120
"From the initial sketch in 1998 to serial production in 2003, Audemars Piguet created its Caliber 3120 entirely in-house.
While the more recent 15550 is equipped with the movement CALIBRE 5900 which is a Vaucher VMF 3002. That you can find in brand like Hermes, Parmigiani Fleurier, Gerald Charles...

[gregouille]

https://watchbase.com/audemars-piguet/caliber/ap-5800

[gregouille]

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-...m-ap-royal-oak

"The 5900 is a Voucher-made movement that replaces the caliber 5800, which was used in the 37mm ceramic Royal Oak"

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by breads1

Also first time hearing this.. can anyone confirm this?

Movement in the 15550 is made by Vaucher for AP. Nice, thin movement, but not made by AP elves.

[Vivalas]

Can’t advise on which option is best, but I will say that if you’ve been looking to get one for 2 to 3 years, then you’ve missed out on 2 to 3 years of wearing and enjoying.

Buy one and start enjoying fella :-)

[jgottsman11]

Keep it modern. Those older AP's feel like they're going to break just holding them.

15450 will be nice at $28,000 and i don't see it dropping too much farther. to where you'll be hurting. You'll be a lot happier with the watch on your wrist. 15300 is what i have with a 6.75 inch wrist and this thing is badass. You'll be happy either way.

[messikens]

Get the one you can now and enjoy it. No reason to wait for another couple of years... Life is short

If it makes sense now and it's a good price do it. Aesthetically they are largely the same

[breads1]

Pulled the trigger. 15450 is on the way!

[*M5]

Originally Posted by breads1

Pulled the trigger. 15450 is on the way!

Please post pics when you get it, congrats in advance!

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

[strettyend]

Congrats love mine

[huncho]

Originally Posted by breads1

Pulled the trigger. 15450 is on the way!

congrats, it's a great piece

[breads1]

Sized it in the morning and wore it all day. Leaving marks on my wrist so I’m going to have to add a link back in. Seeing it in person I definitely felt it looked small and now am thinking if I should have gotten a 15300. Anyways here’s a wrist shot! Let me know what you guys think of it on my wrist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[breads1]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[*M5]

I think it looks phenomenal and not small by any means. Wear it for a week or two and your eyes will adjust to the size.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

[strettyend]

Looks like the right size to me. Congrats!

[breads1]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Wife gives it the stamp of approval as well and says not to go any bigger. Also never tried on a 15300 before so not looking to blind buy it if I were to go that route.

[tcpx]

That’s a perfect fit, definitely don’t go 15300 and that’s speaking from experience.

I had a 15300 and it looked terrible on my 16cm wrist with the massive overhang. 15450 and 15550 are MILES better in terms of overall fit and don’t regret that switch at all..

15300:


15450: