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amatsukaze · 26 November 2020, 07:26 PM

My 30th birthday is incoming, so time for another watch incoming!

The budget for this special occasion is about EUR 22k and the two main contenders are:
- The AP RO 15450st (37mm) silver dial, which I can get at retail from an AD (non-boutique) in the EU; and
- The Rolex 116520 Daytona (steel bezel) with black dial.

I like both watches and would eventually want both in the collection. Due to my smaller wrist I can't swing a larger RO. I also prefer the steel bezel Daytona to the newer ceramic model.

My current collection comprises of a few Rolexes (Hulk, 14060m Submariner and 15200 Date), a Speedmaster and a Tudor BB Harrods (which indeed wears a tad large).

Which of the two options do you prefer? Which would be a better fit with the current collection? Any other suggestions are also welcome!

While I understand that focusing on the "investment" angle of the hobby is seen as a faux pas here, your views on what may perform better in the next few years would also be well appreciated.

Many Thanks!

brucethemanlee · 26 November 2020, 09:03 PM

Unless your wrist is smaller 6.5 inch I’d avoid the 15450 because it wears really small

amatsukaze · 26 November 2020, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Unless your wrist is smaller 6.5 inch I’d avoid the 15450 because it wears really small

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

Becweb · 26 November 2020, 09:47 PM

15450 is a female's watch...

1William · 26 November 2020, 10:24 PM

I prefer the Daytona. A classic watch that would serve you well day to day for years. The Daytona is at the top of many collectable lists.

joli160 · 26 November 2020, 10:57 PM

Daytona is and will remain a classic.

I do appreciate the workmanship on the AP, especially the bracelet, but it looks very much outdated with its seventies design. It does nothing for me

Podmornica · 26 November 2020, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

Whoa, that watch looks really crisp and handsome on you. I would go for it over the Daytona any day in this case.

TankTom · 26 November 2020, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becweb

15450 is a female's watch...

Nonsense. But is probably too small for wrists 6.5 or larger

VogelPhoenix · 27 November 2020, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becweb

15450 is a female's watch...

Nonsense, as the OPs picture clearly proves.

The correct answer is of course "both", but given the current collection (and at retail) I would start with the AP.

emtee · 27 November 2020, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

That looks fantastic and would be my choice

sgwatchguy · 27 November 2020, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

That pic is proof. Go with the AP, looks amazing on your wrist.

wigdog63 · 27 November 2020, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

That pic is proof. Go with the AP, looks amazing on your wrist.

I agree-looks fantastic.

arcampado · 27 November 2020, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

This AP reference is stunning! That would be my choice.

Swaye · 27 November 2020, 12:50 AM

AP all day every day. It isn't close.

amatsukaze · 27 November 2020, 12:51 AM

It seems our congregation is quite polarized on this one! I am now gently leaning towards the 15450st, but thinking whether it would be better to wait for one from a boutique to get access to other models in the future (ADs only have access to a limited part of the catalogue)...

strettyend · 27 November 2020, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becweb

15450 is a female's watch...

As is the Daytona in this day and age. I see people calling the 450 a ladies watch around as if it’s a 31mm DJ. It’s not. People act as if the Daytona is some massive watch when it is not.

OP - if it looks good on your wrist that is all that matters. I own a 37mm RO, a 38mm ROC and a YG Daytona and I feel all 3 are roughly around a similar size.

kwingy · 27 November 2020, 12:54 AM

I would go for the 15450 personally out of those two.

amatsukaze · 27 November 2020, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strettyend

As is the Daytona in this day and age. I see people calling the 450 a ladies watch around as if it’s a 31mm DJ. It’s not. People act as if the Daytona is some massive watch when it is not.

OP - if it looks good on your wrist that is all that matters. I own a 37mm RO, a 38mm ROC and a YG Daytona and I feel all 3 are roughly around a similar size.

How do you find the 450? Can it complement both the casual and formal look? Wouldn't mind seeing yours! :)

kearez · 27 November 2020, 12:58 AM

AP! I love the 15450. For me it’s on a different level from the Daytona.

subdateII · 27 November 2020, 01:04 AM

You can't go wrong with either choice. The mistake would be to towards a 41mm which you wisely eliminated. I did that mistake on a 15400 and could not stand the watch on my wrist.

I personally have a Royal Oak 15300 white dial and a 116520 Black. Two fantastic watches!

So perhaps, my only suggestion would be to consider a 15300 as it is in 39mm. Hence, closer to the original Royal Oak...

Finally, I am not a big fan of the late production black 116520 as the silver subdials are very shiny. Difficult to pinpoint the exact time when this happens but it is real.

G.D.BeanCounter · 27 November 2020, 01:36 AM

AP looks perfect on your wrist.

Tensai · 27 November 2020, 01:41 AM

Unless you are a race car driver and require a tachymeter bezel, the AP is the choice.

strettyend · 27 November 2020, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

How do you find the 450? Can it complement both the casual and formal look? Wouldn't mind seeing yours! :)

It is absolutely great at doing both!

brucethemanlee · 27 November 2020, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

It is indeed a bit smaller than that.

Looks good in your wrist

What size is your wrist?

amatsukaze · 27 November 2020, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucethemanlee

Looks good in your wrist

What size is your wrist?

6 inches on the dot, I think.

brucethemanlee · 27 November 2020, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

6 inches on the dot, I think.

i have 6.75 in and i tried on and was ready to buy the AP 15450 in blue....but it just felt way too small on my wrist - so i passed

Unfortunately 15400/15500 wears too big on my wrist

15202 would be perfect but we all know scarcity of that watch

have been looking at 38mm chrono as those seem to fit well on my wrist

ap1 · 27 November 2020, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

That pic is proof. Go with the AP, looks amazing on your wrist.

Agree

garyk · 27 November 2020, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amatsukaze

My 30th birthday is incoming, so time for another watch incoming!

The budget for this special occasion is about EUR 22k and the two main contenders are:
- The AP RO 15450st (37mm) silver dial, which I can get at retail from an AD (non-boutique) in the EU; and
- The Rolex 116520 Daytona (steel bezel) with black dial.

I like both watches and would eventually want both in the collection. Due to my smaller wrist I can't swing a larger RO. I also prefer the steel bezel Daytona to the newer ceramic model.

My current collection comprises of a few Rolexes (Hulk, 14060m Submariner and 15200 Date), a Speedmaster and a Tudor BB Harrods (which indeed wears a tad large).

Which of the two options do you prefer? Which would be a better fit with the current collection? Any other suggestions are also welcome!

While I understand that focusing on the "investment" angle of the hobby is seen as a faux pas here, your views on what may perform better in the next few years would also be well appreciated.

Many Thanks!

My wife bought me a Submariner for my 29th. That was 40 years ago. The watch was about $750 USD. My house down payment was equal to your budget. How times have changed! Happy Birthday, bonne chance mon ami...

garyk · 27 November 2020, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strettyend

It is absolutely great at doing both!

That's very beautiful and one of the great bracelet designs!!!

subtona · 27 November 2020, 05:15 AM

The black 116520 would be an absolute no for me.

Much improved 116500 would be my choice.

Putting brand and looks aside, Main differences between AP and Daytona imho are the date and the water resistance.

I am not typically a fan of a date window but would choose the AP in this choice because the 116520 was my least favorite watch I have ever owned.

26 November 2020, 07:26 PM	#1
amatsukaze "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Paris Posts: 38	AP RO 15450st vs 116520 My 30th birthday is incoming, so time for another watch incoming! The budget for this special occasion is about EUR 22k and the two main contenders are: - The AP RO 15450st (37mm) silver dial, which I can get at retail from an AD (non-boutique) in the EU; and - The Rolex 116520 Daytona (steel bezel) with black dial. I like both watches and would eventually want both in the collection. Due to my smaller wrist I can't swing a larger RO. I also prefer the steel bezel Daytona to the newer ceramic model. My current collection comprises of a few Rolexes (Hulk, 14060m Submariner and 15200 Date), a Speedmaster and a Tudor BB Harrods (which indeed wears a tad large). Which of the two options do you prefer? Which would be a better fit with the current collection? Any other suggestions are also welcome! While I understand that focusing on the "investment" angle of the hobby is seen as a faux pas here, your views on what may perform better in the next few years would also be well appreciated. Many Thanks!

26 November 2020, 10:57 PM	#6
joli160 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,342	Daytona is and will remain a classic. I do appreciate the workmanship on the AP, especially the bracelet, but it looks very much outdated with its seventies design. It does nothing for me __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

27 November 2020, 12:50 AM	#14
Swaye "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: USA Watch: What I am wearing. Posts: 1,879	AP all day every day. It isn't close. __________________ Rolex │ H. Moser │ F.P. Journe │ Audemars Piquet │ Patek Philippe _______________________________ "I'm not playing hard to get, I'm playing hard to want."

27 November 2020, 05:15 AM	#30
subtona "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: gus Location: East Coast Watch: APK & sometimes Y Posts: 25,987	The black 116520 would be an absolute no for me. Much improved 116500 would be my choice. Putting brand and looks aside, Main differences between AP and Daytona imho are the date and the water resistance. I am not typically a fan of a date window but would choose the AP in this choice because the 116520 was my least favorite watch I have ever owned. __________________

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26 November 2020, 09:03 PM	#2
brucethemanlee "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: 1 of 13 Colonies Posts: 8,490	Unless your wrist is smaller 6.5 inch I’d avoid the 15450 because it wears really small

26 November 2020, 09:47 PM	#4
Becweb Banned Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: - Posts: 407	15450 is a female's watch...

26 November 2020, 10:24 PM	#5
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,652	I prefer the Daytona. A classic watch that would serve you well day to day for years. The Daytona is at the top of many collectable lists.

27 November 2020, 12:51 AM	#15
amatsukaze "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Paris Posts: 38	It seems our congregation is quite polarized on this one! I am now gently leaning towards the 15450st, but thinking whether it would be better to wait for one from a boutique to get access to other models in the future (ADs only have access to a limited part of the catalogue)...

27 November 2020, 12:54 AM	#17
kwingy "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: UK Posts: 1,275	I would go for the 15450 personally out of those two.

27 November 2020, 12:58 AM	#19
kearez "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: 36000FT Posts: 701	AP! I love the 15450. For me it’s on a different level from the Daytona.

27 November 2020, 01:04 AM	#20
subdateII "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New York Posts: 161	You can't go wrong with either choice. The mistake would be to towards a 41mm which you wisely eliminated. I did that mistake on a 15400 and could not stand the watch on my wrist. I personally have a Royal Oak 15300 white dial and a 116520 Black. Two fantastic watches! So perhaps, my only suggestion would be to consider a 15300 as it is in 39mm. Hence, closer to the original Royal Oak... Finally, I am not a big fan of the late production black 116520 as the silver subdials are very shiny. Difficult to pinpoint the exact time when this happens but it is real.

27 November 2020, 01:36 AM	#21
G.D.BeanCounter Banned Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Watch: Sky DayDate 2 Posts: 1,317	AP looks perfect on your wrist.

27 November 2020, 01:41 AM	#22
Tensai "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: tyo nyc fla ack Watch: all the good ones Posts: 994	Unless you are a race car driver and require a tachymeter bezel, the AP is the choice.

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