Incoming RO 15300ST Blue Dial

[karasus]

I only recently (4 days ago) got a grey dial RO 15400ST, as part of my planned 4 piece collection (blue dial sports watch, grey/black/brown dial sports watch, gold dressier watch, cheap beater or Gshock). The original plan was to get a 15300ST blue, PP Aquanaut 5968A Chronograph, and a PP Nautilus 5712R within the next 3 years.

However after seeing and touching the 5968A Chronograph and other PP chrono's they didn't really feel that great to me personally. I just felt like chrono is a bit of a meh complication on a high end watch since I would never take the PP on a spartan race (Gshock).

Spent ages looking for the 15300ST blue dial, found nothing. No dealer or reseller on my continent had it, went on chrono24 only 2-3 ever listed at meh prices or already polished.

Walked into the AP boutique to see if they had a 15202ST blue dial 3 year waitlist but loved the 15400 grey dial. Got it for my dark dial sports watch slot.

Today just as I was leaving work, I saw in the window of a reputable 2nd hand dealer a 15300ST blue dial, mint condition. Walked in asked about the watch, they got it just over the weekend. They only put it out today after they managed to get the AP archive extracts for origin check, the original owner didn't have the receipt only the box.

Tried the watch on my wrist and damn it is a totally different beast from the 15400 and 15202. It feels more consistent than the 15202 but also much was less bam in your face compared to the giant 15400 (I have small wrists)

Its not just the size but the finish on the 15300 (from 2008) is also very different from the 15400, the polish on the bracelet is less aggressively brush so the feel counter to the direction of the brushing is much smoother. The screws on the bezel are also more rounded on the 15300, and the clasp looks less industrial with the AP letters instead of printed words.

Pulled the trigger and got my 2nd AP within 4 days, so 3 out of 4 watch slots filled (blue dial, grey dial). Only waiting for the 5712R, it will be a patience game but I have some cool toys to play with in the mean-time

[HK Islandboy]

Very nice! That suits you well

[AK797]

Congrats, sharp work!

[LAFLARE]

Congrats! But your dog looks like he is in disbelief. Hopefully you got him a new toy too for being a good dog!

[jb335]

You're a big stud. Congrats!

[G'ed]

Like that better than 202

[tonupbklyn]

very nice, congrats!
not sure if I've seen these 2 models side-by-side before, but the propertions of the components in the 300 (dial, bezel, date, markers) appear better balanced than those of the 400.

well played.

[Plai]

Very nice! I am also on the look out for a blue 15300. I should have gotten it instead of the 26300 at the time. May I ask how much you paid for it?

[eyeheartny]

Congrats! The finishing on the 400 bracelet seems noticeably better-- from these pics, looks like they've been upping their game.

[Bt122]

Nice man... thats really exciting

[Bello_nyc]

Congrats

[benlee]

Lovely. Congrats!

[5Zigen]

Nice find, congrats!

[karasus]

Originally Posted by Plai

Very nice! I am also on the look out for a blue 15300. I should have gotten it instead of the 26300 at the time. May I ask how much you paid for it?

About 16,000USD at current exchange rates

[karasus]

Originally Posted by tonupbklyn

very nice, congrats!
not sure if I've seen these 2 models side-by-side before, but the propertions of the components in the 300 (dial, bezel, date, markers) appear better balanced than those of the 400.

well played.

Me neither, here is a better photo of the two side by side that captures the difference in size much better. The first photo was taken at an angle with the 15300 closer so it looks bigger, this photo is about flat and both on the wrist.

Also the 15400 is about 20% heavier than the 15300, coming at around 155g you definitely feel the weight.

Have worn both at work, the 15300 stays easily under the cuff while the 15400 has a tendency to stick out and is much more visible.

Due to the size, weight, and how the watch wears, I'm finding that I am wearing the 15400 more when going out, hangout with friends, walking the dog and the 15300 at work/more professional stuff.

[Hairdude1]

Congrats

[Chadridv]

wow I turn my back for a week and there are some amazing incomings in the AP section! Congrats OP

[111forza]

But for me that 15300 Is the dogs(not literally)

[kn_watches]

Congrats. This reference is beautiful.

[Plai]

Originally Posted by karasus

About 16,000USD at current exchange rates

Thanks!

[JP_]

Happy days! Gorgeous pieces, would love to own both of them.
Enjoy!

[Mezz72]

i just sold off my dec 2010 blue dial 15300.
i really love it and it’s a full set in unpolished superb condition.
but somehow, i can’t really bond with it.

[descartes]

The proportions of the 15300 are just perfect. Also, the later ones have the same clasp as the 15400, which is more robust.

[PLNYC]

Very nice duo you have! I’m torn between the 15400 and 15300

[Peterandwatches]

I tend to think of the 39 mm as dressier, and the 41 mm as the bridge between the RO and sporty ROO. Fantastic duo - it's great you don't to choose!

[red1108nyc]

Congrats!

I substituted my 15300s with a 26300. Maybe should of kept one of them

[WatchinMD]

Congrats

[Skyrider01]

Nice pair, congrats! I've been considering the grey dial 15400 myself.

[tonupbklyn]

IMO, u don't need the 15400 in that lineup.

[karasus]

Originally Posted by tonupbklyn

IMO, u don't need the 15400 in that lineup.

After wearing both watches for about 3 weeks I am going to agree. I am putting on the 15300 a lot more than my 15400. So...

I handed the 15400ST to my old man :). It's not everyday a millennial gets to give his 56 y/o babyboomer pops a nice present.