Caught the 15202 bug

[rolexandlange]

I've had the 15202 bug of late. Been reading up on 5402s and 15202s and following AP auction prices. I get to thinking what I would trade in my collection to add a 15202 and it's a bit daunting.

So my question is, how good is this watch? Why is it worth it (if it is)? What am I getting myself into (servicing etc)? Also, I have no relationship with the brand at all and there is no boutique nearby which could prove a pain if something goes wrong or needs adjustment.

Here are the potential watches to trade in, and the crappy part is how many watches from this stable would need to depart to add a 15202. They all get worn in rotation in and out of the bank vault. To be clear, not all need to go to add a 15202, but several would.

126610LN
126610LV
116520 Black Dial
16600 Tritium
Saxonia Automatik Rose Gold
Saxonia Thin Copper Blue

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by rolexandlange

I've had the 15202 bug of late. Been reading up on 5402s and 15202s and following AP auction prices. I get to thinking what I would trade in my collection to add a 15202 and it's a bit daunting.

So my question is, how good is this watch? Why is it worth it (if it is)? What am I getting myself into (servicing etc)? Also, I have no relationship with the brand at all and there is no boutique nearby which could prove a pain if something goes wrong or needs adjustment.

Here are the potential watches to trade in, and the crappy part is how many watches from this stable would need to depart to add a 15202. They all get worn in rotation in and out of the bank vault. To be clear, not all need to go to add a 15202, but several would.

126610LN
126610LV
116520 Black Dial
16600 Tritium
Saxonia Automatik Rose Gold
Saxonia Thin Copper Blue

I have a 15202 and like it very much. It’s great looking, comfortable and my experience is that it is quite reliable. Mine has been involved in all kinds of active sports - rock climbing, golf, handball etc. with nary a problem. I do keep it away from water generally. Setting the date is a bit of a pain in the neck but well worth it. Mine is about eight years old and it’s coming time for a service but has shown no problems.

I also add that the AP service agency in Clearwater FL is outstanding. Great work, good communications and prompt.

[dr.ns23]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I have a 15202 and like it very much. It’s great looking, comfortable and my experience is that it is quite reliable. Mine has been involved in all kinds of active sports - rock climbing, golf, handball etc. with nary a problem. I do keep it away from water generally. Setting the date is a bit of a pain in the neck but well worth it. Mine is about eight years old and it’s coming time for a service but has shown no problems.

I also add that the AP service agency in Clearwater FL is outstanding. Great work, good communications and prompt.

Same here! I have a 15202 and love it, it is such a great looking watch.

I enjoy setting the date, it doesn't really bother me. Plus there's a faster way to do it; you can check the guide on AP's website:
https://www.audemarspiguet.com/conte..._2121/RO_2121/

I would probably sell the 126610LN and the Saxonia Automatik Rose Gold. The 15202 will be well worth it in my honest opinion. The bracelet alone is a piece of art...

Anyways, good luck and keep us posted.

[mickyd329]

I don't have a 15202, but I do have a couple of RO's on bracelet and they are a work of art.

If it were me, I would sell the Saxonia Rose Gold and the LN.

For service, APSC in Clearwater FL is great to deal with. Arguably AP has maybe the best after service in the watch industry.

[john_peter33]

There is also a winding tool you can get from AP that makes setting the date very easy.

[7sins]

15202 is quintessential AP and subjectively my favorite AP. I have owned it in steel and rose gold, hopefully the wg salmon soon enough. Several I have owned for years and they never needed servicing. People complain about the no quickset date but you can put the watch on a winder to solve this problem. The footprint is excellent, thin case and can be worn with a suit or tshirt/shorts. Focus on watches you don't wear often and or have fallen out of love with to put towards the jumbo. You won't regret it.

[raclaims]

I have the 16202 so quick set date issue is resolved thankfully

Id sell your pieces for sure for one it’s a classic masterpiece

[Horsin’ Around]

I have a question for those that have been fortunate enough to be allocated a 15202/16202 from the boutique/AD.

How difficult is it to receive an allocation? How many watches have you purchased before getting the jumbo?

Can one reasonably request a jumbo after 3-5 watches, 5-8 watches, 8-10 watches, etc?


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[jts278]

Think getting a Jumbo is dependent on your relationship with your boutique. There’s no set method and each AP location in the world might be different. In my case, I got a SS Jumbo as my second piece from AP. That was in 2021. Building the relationship with AP boutiques would be my preference as it’s my favorite brand and many more pieces to acquire!

[Yanagimachi]

If I were you I would let go the green Rolex, the tritium one and one Saxonia (both are very beautiful) and wait for as long as it takes a boutique to allocate me a piece. Patience is a virtue.

[DJ4]

My SA Said it's gonna be quite difficult to allocate a Jumbo without a good purchase history with the boutique. Don't know how my, There is no policy but I guess at least 3-5 other watches before.

As you know, It's the most desirable AP piece, they obviously sell the few pieces they get a year to their known client with a big purchase history after a few years on relationship.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by Sitaic

Great wristshot!

What are the AP and RO books in the background? Are they available for purchase anywhere? Would love to add them to the collection! Thanks

Thank you! One was a gift from my boutique and the other was from watchprint.com, you should be able to find one online but they are getting a bit pricey.

https://watchprint.com/en/audemars-p...rs-piguet.html

https://watchprint.com/en/audemars-p...n-version.html

[gregouille]

Originally Posted by 7sins

15202 is quintessential AP and subjectively my favorite AP. I have owned it in steel and rose gold, hopefully the wg salmon soon enough. Several I have owned for years and they never needed servicing. People complain about the no quickset date but you can put the watch on a winder to solve this problem. The footprint is excellent, thin case and can be worn with a suit or tshirt/shorts. Focus on watches you don't wear often and or have fallen out of love with to put towards the jumbo. You won't regret it.

Couldn’t agree more!


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[Theeon]

The 15202 is such a great-looking watch.

[GW44]

I’m happy to wait (and fully expect a long wait) to add a Jumbo to my collection.

The whole history of this watch is what drew me into the AP brand and, to a degree, my passion for great watches per se.

[Ichiran]

The 15202 is amongst a handful of best watches out there and it is in the pantheon of horology goats, in my opinion. If I can re-define the 'physiological needs' in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, I will include the 15202 there.

To OP - do it.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by Sitaic

Awesome! Thanks so much for the links. I'm really considering picking them up. Is there either one that you would strongly recommend (or both)? Would you mind sharing a couple more photos? Thanks again!

Happy to help, what specifically can I take photos of for you?

[TunaTuna]

Originally Posted by rolexandlange

I've had the 15202 bug of late. Been reading up on 5402s and 15202s and following AP auction prices. I get to thinking what I would trade in my collection to add a 15202 and it's a bit daunting.

So my question is, how good is this watch? Why is it worth it (if it is)? What am I getting myself into (servicing etc)? Also, I have no relationship with the brand at all and there is no boutique nearby which could prove a pain if something goes wrong or needs adjustment.

Here are the potential watches to trade in, and the crappy part is how many watches from this stable would need to depart to add a 15202. They all get worn in rotation in and out of the bank vault. To be clear, not all need to go to add a 15202, but several would.

126610LN
126610LV
116520 Black Dial
16600 Tritium
Saxonia Automatik Rose Gold
Saxonia Thin Copper Blue

Even if you put up all your pieces in a trade for a Jumbo, a dealer would still want additional cash. I think AP is out of your league, especially if you are worried about servicing costs. Sorry but you asked, good luck

[rolexandlange]

Originally Posted by TunaTuna

Even if you put up all your pieces in a trade for a Jumbo, a dealer would still want additional cash. I think AP is out of your league, especially if you are worried about servicing costs. Sorry but you asked, good luck

regarding servicing, i've heard intervals are surprisingly frequent and take quite some time considering it's fairly simple. if i was too fluxed about servicing costs i might think twice about owning so many langes

the pieces discussed for trade are not all my pieces but I’ll try to stay in my league (rolex/lange) if you think AP is not for me. I am mostly chronos and divers, thought an AP might be a nice add.

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by rolexandlange

regarding servicing, i've heard intervals are surprisingly frequent and take quite some time considering it's fairly simple. if i was too fluxed about servicing costs i might think twice about owning so many langes

the pieces discussed for trade are not all my pieces but I’ll try to stay in my league (rolex/lange) if you think AP is not for me. I am mostly chronos and divers, thought an AP might be a nice add.

I think the service costs are very reasonable. Here is a screenshot from the website. Probably needs servicing every 5 years or so. I don't agree with the out of the league notion at all. Unless we are talking about Richard Mille servicing costs, all other brands are well withing reason.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by rolexandlange

regarding servicing, i've heard intervals are surprisingly frequent and take quite some time considering it's fairly simple. if i was too fluxed about servicing costs i might think twice about owning so many langes

the pieces discussed for trade are not all my pieces but I’ll try to stay in my league (rolex/lange) if you think AP is not for me. I am mostly chronos and divers, thought an AP might be a nice add.

This IMO is a misconception, I have owned many APs for multiple years. I only had to send one back for service for an issue with the crown, it was inexpensive and received it back quickly. Never had any other issues.

[BobtheBaby]

I do not think you are out of your league at all about servicing. A Porsche costs more to service than a Honda, but is worth more. Plus, I have only ever found Clearwater service a pleasure to deal with.