A noob's dive into Royal Oak reps

[powerka]

Long time lurker here who's recently decided to dive into the world of AP Royal Oak reps. I've spent countless hours through many weeks researching Royal Oaks on this forum and others, and thought to share some findings to help those who come after me.


Royal Oaks I've looked at:

- ROYAL OAK 15202. Measures 39mm x 8.1.mm . A classic, still in very high demand. Gen only manufactured with a blue dial nowadays. Good for smaller men's wrists. Perfect for a 6.5"-6.75” wrist.

- ROYAL OAK 15400. Measures 41mm x 9.8mm. Update of the 15202. Gen not manufactured any longer. Feels larger than it's size. Ideally for 7"+ wrists, though some could carry it with a 6.5" wrist (no smaller than that).

- ROYAL OAK 15450. Measures 37mm x 9.8mm.

- ROYAL OAK 15500. Measures 41mm x 10.4mm. Update of the 15400, and a better watch overall than the 15400 even though very similar in both dimensions and aesthetically. Feels larger than it's size. Ideally for 7"+ wrists, though some could carry it with a 6.5" wrist (no smaller than that).

- ROYAL OAL 33mm quartz. Great for women or men with small wrists or those who like thin watches, as it's very thin thanks to its quartz movement.

Sorry, only ROs, no ROOs.

For the sake of comparison, the dimensions of a a ceramic sub are 40mm x 12.5mm.


Observations:

- from what I gather ZF make the best 15202/15400/15500, while APSF may come as close second for the 15500.
- from what I gather JF makes the best 33mm quartz, while the 8F reps are not that great.
- the ZF 15500 (V2) is a superior watch than the ZF 15400, and the best rep of them all.
- for ZF, black and blue dials are generally closer to gen, while gray are the opposite.
- if in doubt, black dial and stainless steel (SS) for both bezel and bracelet usually the safer bet (as far as closer to gen comes).
- shortcut for researching AP watches on this forum: use search function to search for @legend's posts.
- the hour base of the ZF 15202 ideally requires modding.
- the rep 33mm quartz closest to gen is the JF SS/SS black.
- if going for a gold watch, know that gold can vary in color from gen to gen.
- ROs will be closer to gen than ROOs thanks to the absence of chronographs (less detail).

Some sources:

- 15500 vs 15202 comparison: https://monochrome-watches.com/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-15500-compared-to-jumbo-15202-review-price/
- video of the 33mm quartz on a man's wrist:

- gens: https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/collections/royal-oak.html


I'll be getting a 15202, a 15500, and a 33mm quartz.


Hope that helps. Don't forget these are a noob's notes, don't take any of it as canon. Cheers.

 

[legend]

I think this is very useful for newbies.
I will Sticky it for a while. Thank you for your contribution @powerka

 

[grillbrill]

JF for 15450 and R8F for tourbillons.

Am I right that only 15400 and 15500 are available with clone movements at the moment?

 

[clk168]

This newbie thanks you so much for the summary! Saves me hours looking through posts. I'm still in the process of getting my first two reps, but this is definitely going to be my third. Much appreciated!

 

[powerka]

This newbie thanks you so much for the summary! Saves me hours looking through posts. I'm still in the process of getting my first two reps, but this is definitely going to be my third. Much appreciated!

I'll be sharing QC pics of the various models I got once I receive them all. I can say the ZF black dial 15500 is stunning and fits a 6.75" wrist perfectly (thought would be too big).

 

[clk168]

I have a 6.3 inch wrist and was thinking of the 15202, but your post and that of Legend is all praise for the 15500. I found a video comparing the 15202 and the 15500. Surprisingly, the larger 15500 has a smaller wrist presence (if that's the right term) because it flares less than the 15202 at the lugs (50mm vs 51.5mm)!

I hope I'm not breaking any rules by sending the YT link here. Anyway thank again and I can't wait for your QC pics!

 

[legend]

I have a 6.3 inch wrist and was thinking of the 15202, but your post and that of Legend is all praise for the 15500. I found a video comparing the 15202 and the 15500. Surprisingly, the larger 15500 has a smaller wrist presence (if that's the right term) because it flares less than the 15202 at the lugs (50mm vs 51.5mm)!

I hope I'm not breaking any rules by sending the YT link here. Anyway thank again and I can't wait for your QC pics!

You’re not breaking any rule at all don’t worry. Sharing is caring (except when it’s unapproved QC pics lol)

 

[DJ41lvr]

Thanks @powerka , was mid way through gathering this data via @legend ’s many detailed list amongst others.

I’m settled now in ZF15500 ( blue)

 

[clk168]

You’re not breaking any rule at all don’t worry. Sharing is caring (except when it’s unapproved QC pics lol)

The Legend has commented on my post. My life is complete.

 

[beatitnoob]

Great post @powerka !

So torn between the 15400 and 15500. In your opinion, why would you rate the 15500 above the 15400?

 

[Caril]

Great post @powerka !

So torn between the 15400 and 15500. In your opinion, why would you rate the 15500 above the 15400?

If you wonder about GEN(eric,enuine) differences, Hafiz (he has great videos on AP) has you covered in this video:

To me, what jumps out (front side) is the empty/clean dial of the 500, vs the 400 with more filled dial (hour hands, date marker, 'Automatic' writing).

400 - Elegant/older (closer to 15202 design?), some people dislike the date window away from edge
500 - Modern/sporty, empty dial might make dial larger on small wrist.

The reps/ factories may also add some differences between models, but about this im not so sure.

 

[TheRavenKing]

Thanks for you for your contribution @powerka
just what I was looking for

 

[powerka]

Image shows 15500 SS black dial ZF V2 vs. 15202 SS blue dial ZF.

I like the 15500 considerably more. Hard to explain why but will give it a try:

- The larger dial makes the dial/case proportions feel more balanced
- The larger dial makes it stand out more
- The black pops out more than the blue

The 15500 is feels like a great fit for a big guy with a 6.75 wrist, while the 15202 feels would be better suited for a smaller person/wrist.

I'm giving the 15400 a pass, and will be ordering a 33mm quartz as well.

 

[powerka]

The picture above is far from ideal, need to put the 15500 under the sun (or better lighting) to appreciate how great it looks.

 

[kokikoki]

I have both watches as well with the exact same color. I like the feel of the 15202 more on my wrist. This is mainly because of the thin profile of the case.

Don’t get me wrong, the 15500 feels great on the wrist. It feels sturdier and feels more solid. Bracelet is thicker as well. It has a commanding presence but at the same time, doesn’t take much attention like asking others to look at it.

 

[powerka]

Similar to choosing between an imposing Scandinavian blonde and a petite American one.

Fortunately here we can get to choose both!

 

[d3xophen]

Since 15400 APSF has updated to v3 and ZF has updated to v2.
Which one is better for the blue dial?

 

[TimeStopper46]

I was between the 15400 and 15500 for a few days and ended up going with the 15400.

The specific color I chose was white dial on RG bracelet. I understand that its not the most close to gen but I dont care so much about color accuracy. I just love the look of the white on RG

Anyways my reasoning for going with the 15400 was that I wanted an elegant but also flashy watch. The 15400 has slightly longer hour markers giving a bit more "bling" in my opinion since that means more rosegold surface area. Also same story with that extra hour marker at 3oclock, I think it gives the watch that extra bit of "bling". The 15500 looks more simple and less bling

I also love how balanced the entire dial it looks on the 15400 with the "AUTOMATIC" at the bottom. The dial on the 15400 looks more complex than the 15500 which is why I went for the 400

 

[legend]

I was between the 15400 and 15500 for a few days and ended up going with the 15400.

The specific color I chose was white dial on RG bracelet. I understand that its not the most close to gen but I dont care so much about color accuracy. I just love the look of the white on RG

Anyways my reasoning for going with the 15400 was that I wanted an elegant but also flashy watch. The 15400 has slightly longer hour markers giving a bit more "bling" in my opinion since that means more rosegold surface area. Also same story with that extra hour marker at 3oclock, I think it gives the watch that extra bit of "bling". The 15500 looks more simple and less bling

I also love how balanced the entire dial it looks on the 15400 with the "AUTOMATIC" at the bottom. The dial on the 15400 looks more complex than the 15500 which is why I went for the 400

The 15500 vs 15400 debate is a long running one, and it ultimately boils down to individual preferences.
The 15400 is indeed more elegant looking, but the 15500 has a new movement and is a beefier and more modern Royal Oak IMHO.
FYI, I personally think that the rep makers got the silver dial done very well on the 15400, given the fact that there are 3 variants (which I have seen personally) of white/silver on the gen 15400.
Whatever you choose, I would say that you chose well if you like the watch. Do share some pics when you can.

 

[d3xophen]

Please someone tell me that this clone 15400 is not an instant date change
but GEN 15400 is an instant date change, right?