AP 15300 buying advice

[noah123100]

Hi all,

I am in the market to buy a pre owned 15300 and am deciding between one produced in 2007 versus one produced in 2012. Both have similar service histories and conditions. The 2012 one is around $3-4k more expensive. Is it worth it to buy the newer one?

[agsstructures]

Full sets? Or watch only? There was little to no difference on these so if they are both the same why not save 3-4k

Side note, i cant imagine what these are going for right now

[noah123100]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

Full sets? Or watch only? There was little to no difference on these so if they are both the same why not save 3-4k

Side note, i cant imagine what these are going for right now

Yes both full sets! Just don’t want to save that money now to have to pay back more in the long run. Thank you for the advice!

[cascavel]

Buy the newer one and pay the extra $4K.

[Token74]

I would buy the 2007 and save the money. But either way, send in for a service as soon as you get it. That’s what I did with mine, that way it’s like starting with a new watch, and age makes no difference. I’m all for living with scratches, but i want them to be my scratches!


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[daytonaTBR]

Get the H serial 2012

[bob101]

I’d buy the earlier and use the money saved to send it for a service. Id also be sure to tell them not to change dial or date wheel without your permission and not to polish anything.

[de66]

If they are both in similar condition I see no advantage of "young" vs "old".
As this model is discontinued i would go for the one that would think was treated best during its life. In the case of "new vs pre-owned" that would be something I would consider paying extra for.
But here... if they are really comparable in condition, save the extra cash.
Prices for this discontinued model are more depending on dial color than age.
Prices appear to have made a jump this year and if it follows the same kind of price developments as the 15202 you better be quick, lol

Good luck with your decision!
D

ps, what dial color are we talking here? the reason I ask is because I would explore how close that 3-4k extra would get you to the blue dial version, if you get close then thats what I would go for.

[rolexbud]

I just picked up a 15300st blue dial last week and went through the same thought process. My priority was focused on condition, complete package (box, paperwork, etc. -- recently serviced with AP warranty would be a nice to have). I was also interested in the later clasp/bracelet (rare from what I could research assuming very few 15300s with the H serial numbers came with that). Still in awe of the craftsmanship and the quality of the bracelet/finish. Like many have said, the 39mm size just felt right for my 7" wrist.



Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by rolexbud

I just picked up a 15300st blue dial last week and went through the same thought process. My priority was focused on condition, complete package (box, paperwork, etc. -- recently serviced with AP warranty would be a nice to have). I was also interested in the later clasp/bracelet (rare from what I could research assuming very few 15300s with the H serial numbers came with that). Still in awe of the craftsmanship and the quality of the bracelet/finish. Like many have said, the 39mm size just felt right for my 7" wrist.



Feel free to PM me if you have any additional questions.

Beautiful and congrats especially on the blue dial! Looks like a mint piece you have

[RoyalOac]

Originally Posted by rolexbud

I was also interested in the later clasp/bracelet (rare from what I could research assuming very few 15300s with the H serial numbers came with that).

wait, what?

There were new clasps? What was the difference?

[rolexbud]

Originally Posted by RoyalOac

wait, what?

There were new clasps? What was the difference?

I believe from 2012-ish (?) on, AP moved to the newer clasp style (non-AP letters in metal connecting the bracelet to the clasp itself) which seemed a bit more robust from the ones I tried on (26331, 26315, 15500). But I've only ever seen one 15300st H serial with the newer clasp so it wasn't a hard requirement for me. Just interesting as I did more research on AP watches/bracelets.

[V25V]

I just jumped on Chrono24, are these actually selling for around 50K right now?

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by V25V

I just jumped on Chrono24, are these actually selling for around 50K right now?

List price for the blue dial, yep. EWC has one at $52k with extract and I believe Watchbox may have one as well that's naked and is still $49k. The prices shot up with all the craziness with the 15450/15500.

I don't see any of them moving at this price, but I also don't have any way to know if they are or aren't, or what negotiation is happening. Rest assured it'll be made to look like they're moving and that you'll be told they're on their way to the moon

Who knows what to suggest or think right now in terms of prices. I try and not judge how people spend their money because I firmly believe you should buy what you want and the reality is to some $45k is nothing if it means you can scratch that itch today. But, there is a category for "batsh*t crazy" and the secondary prices for 15450/15500 surely fits into this category. And this is coming from a huge fan of AP.

[V25V]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

List price for the blue dial, yep. EWC has one at $52k with extract and I believe Watchbox may have one as well that's naked and is still $49k. The prices shot up with all the craziness with the 15450/15500.

I don't see any of them moving at this price, but I also don't have any way to know if they are or aren't, or what negotiation is happening. Rest assured it'll be made to look like they're moving and that you'll be told they're on their way to the moon

Who knows what to suggest or think right now in terms of prices. I try and not judge how people spend their money because I firmly believe you should buy what you want and the reality is to some $45k is nothing if it means you can scratch that itch today. But, there is a category for "batsh*t crazy" and the secondary prices for 15450/15500 surely fits into this category. And this is coming from a huge fan of AP.

I was blinded by the numbers when I hopped on and saw this. Absolute insanity!

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by V25V

I just jumped on Chrono24, are these actually selling for around 50K right now?

Wow. I just saw that! What on earth?!
If these watches are selling for those prices I can only stare in disbelieve. There’s no way someone is buying that for 50k.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by rolexbud

I believe from 2012-ish (?) on, AP moved to the newer clasp style (non-AP letters in metal connecting the bracelet to the clasp itself) which seemed a bit more robust from the ones I tried on (26331, 26315, 15500). But I've only ever seen one 15300st H serial with the newer clasp so it wasn't a hard requirement for me. Just interesting as I did more research on AP watches/bracelets.

You are correct, its the clasp that is on the 15400/15500. I inquired with AP in Clearwater on this and they will actually do the swap to the newer clasp if you want. I believe it was in the ~$1,500 range.

[dh1]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

You are correct, its the clasp that is on the 15400/15500. I inquired with AP in Clearwater on this and they will actually do the swap to the newer clasp if you want. I believe it was in the ~$1,500 range.

I got a 2012 H series 15300 blue dial last summer... this is the clasp:


It basically feels the same as my 15450ST clasp except bigger.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by dh1

I got a 2012 H series 15300 blue dial last summer... this is the clasp:


It basically feels the same as my 15450ST clasp except bigger.

Yup that’s the newer one. I have a White dial H 2012 and it has the older “AP” clasp

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by V25V

I just jumped on Chrono24, are these actually selling for around 50K right now?

Insane, I’m seeing polished, no box/papers 14790’s selling for high 20’s also

[chiscott_29]

Royal Oaks are absolutely insane on the secondary market right now. Again, I love AP. I’m a fanboy. But my strong advice to anybody is run away from these crazy secondary prices. Be patient and the day will come when these prices or the demand moderates.

The standard Royal Oaks (time/date) are beautiful don’t get me wrong. I think they are probably the best true sports watch you can buy right now. But at $35k to $50k, you literally have to be insane. There are SO MANY better options out there at this price level. There are tons of time/date Royal Oaks out there and there always will be. These are not 5711s and I truly don’t understand what people are chasing...At least I (somewhat) understand why the Jumbo has gone insane.


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[rolexbud]

Originally Posted by dh1

I got a 2012 H series 15300 blue dial last summer... this is the clasp:


It basically feels the same as my 15450ST clasp except bigger.

That's awesome -- one of the few newer bracelets on a 15300st I've seen out there.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

The standard Royal Oaks (time/date) are beautiful don’t get me wrong. I think they are probably the best true sports watch you can buy right now. But at $35k to $50k, you literally have to be insane. There are SO MANY better options out there at this price level.

If one is ok with spending in this ballpark for a SS sports watch on bracelet, what would you recommend instead (no AD relationship, no waiting for years)?

[Wahlberg]

I'm blown away that people are still easily buying these at the current prices.

Jump out of nowhere from 13k to 25k to 30k to ... And now people want them?!

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by VogelPhoenix

If one is ok with spending in this ballpark for a SS sports watch on bracelet, what would you recommend instead (no AD relationship, no waiting for years)?

For low/mid $40s, I’d stretch a bit and get a solid gold Submariner or Daytona. Also, at this price level I’d be looking at some of the more limited AP Offshores. Or, for a huge change-up I’d look at some of the Lange models such as the Moonphase or even 1815 Chrono pre-owned. I know these aren’t all the same thing, but at some point you have to consider what you’re getting.

Listen, if you love the RO and that’s all that’s going to scratch your itch, go for it. You only have to answer to yourself (and maybe your significant other). The truth is you’re not getting one from an AD without a relationship unless you package it with a Code, and even that isn’t really a guarantee. And, you’ll be waiting for who knows how long. This isn’t going to end next year either with the 50th anniversary as more and more attention will be showered on the RO.

Just understand you’re paying a MASSIVE premium. This is my personal opinion, but my thought is SS Royal Oaks are the last place I’d be able to justify this type of premium. Rolex is Rolex...they aren’t going anywhere and while prices may stabilize they are the king and always will be. Patek very well may stop producing Stainless Steel models...I genuinely believe that. So, I can understand taking risks there. But a common SS Royal Oak? Nope...


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[karasus]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

I'm blown away that people are still easily buying these at the current prices.

Jump out of nowhere from 13k to 25k to 30k to ... And now people want them?!

I bought my blue dial 15300 for a bit less than $16k and this was back in 2018. Fast forward till now I really see a spill over effect from the 5711 blue into the 15202 and now the 15300.

All things being relative, the 15300ST was pretty good value compared to the 15202 and 5711 back in 2017. 2021, it is still a 80k-100k cheaper watch than the 5711 and the 15202.

Just my opinion but I think its more of all "rising tide lifts all boats" situation and the 15300ST being the relatively cheapest direct alternative (39mm, screw down crown, holy trinity) to the 5711 and 15202.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Buy the one that is in the best condition. I rather go with the 2007 if it for example has had none or one less polish. Clasps... There upsides with both

[V25V]

Originally Posted by karasus

I bought my blue dial 15300 for a bit less than $16k and this was back in 2018. Fast forward till now I really see a spill over effect from the 5711 blue into the 15202 and now the 15300.

All things being relative, the 15300ST was pretty good value compared to the 15202 and 5711 back in 2017. 2021, it is still a 80k-100k cheaper watch than the 5711 and the 15202.

Just my opinion but I think its more of all "rising tide lifts all boats" situation and the 15300ST being the relatively cheapest direct alternative (39mm, screw down crown, holy trinity) to the 5711 and 15202.

I paid $15000 for mine around that time. Still have it, rarely wear it, and cannot believe what the value is now. If someone offered me 55-60K right now for it, I think I would have a hard time keeping it.

[dh1]

Originally Posted by karasus

Just my opinion but I think its more of all "rising tide lifts all boats" situation and the 15300ST being the relatively cheapest direct alternative (39mm, screw down crown, holy trinity) to the 5711 and 15202.

I tend to agree... I think the 15300 blue jumping from 35k to 50k was ~entirely due to the 15202 jumping from 60k to 80-100k almost overnight.

Every SS RO in every size going up may not be justified, but watches in the 39mm sweet spot are just more scarce. Supply & demand...

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by chiscott_29

For low/mid $40s, I’d stretch a bit and get a solid gold Submariner or Daytona. Also, at this price level I’d be looking at some of the more limited AP Offshores. Or, for a huge change-up I’d look at some of the Lange models such as the Moonphase or even 1815 Chrono pre-owned. I know these aren’t all the same thing, but at some point you have to consider what you’re getting.

Listen, if you love the RO and that’s all that’s going to scratch your itch, go for it. You only have to answer to yourself (and maybe your significant other). The truth is you’re not getting one from an AD without a relationship unless you package it with a Code, and even that isn’t really a guarantee. And, you’ll be waiting for who knows how long. This isn’t going to end next year either with the 50th anniversary as more and more attention will be showered on the RO.

Just understand you’re paying a MASSIVE premium. This is my personal opinion, but my thought is SS Royal Oaks are the last place I’d be able to justify this type of premium. Rolex is Rolex...they aren’t going anywhere and while prices may stabilize they are the king and always will be. Patek very well may stop producing Stainless Steel models...I genuinely believe that. So, I can understand taking risks there. But a common SS Royal Oak? Nope...

That was a hypothetical question - I just got an invitation from my boutique to pick up my wife's blue dial 15450. But your answer illustrates that on the high end SS sports watch side pickings are very slim. And I agree with the basic point - if there was no chance to get a SS RO at MSRP or close, I'd find something else to do with my money.