Day Date 36 vs AP Royal Oak 15300

[agsstructures]

Been on the hunt for a clean 15300 and was curious on some opinions. Would you rather have a White Gold DD36 or a 15300?

The DD I have is a mint 18239 example from 1991.

Thanks!

[huncho]

im not a big fan of wg and personally feel like a big part of what makes a day date special and iconic is the yellow gold, so probably the ap in this case

with that said, i have a yg dd36 and a 15450 and if i had to pick one to keep it would be the day date

[haven_seeker]

Keep the DD.

[2000-NJDEVILS]

I speak with firsthand knowledge in that I own both the YG DD 36 and RO 15300(silver/white dial)....
UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO SPEND $1000 EVERY 3 YEARS FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND OILING OF THE AP - JUST STAY AWAY!!!
AP’s need oil or they will grind gears and kill the main spring. And since AP no longer sells parts to independent watch makers - parts are very scarce and repairs are very expensive.
I have the pain of regret and have spent over $8K in 2 repairs and 3 services.
Caveat Emptor my friend!

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by 2000-NJDEVILS

I speak with firsthand knowledge in that I own both the YG DD 36 and RO 15300(silver/white dial)....
UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO SPEND $1000 EVERY 3 YEARS FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND OILING OF THE AP - JUST STAY AWAY!!!
AP’s need oil or they will grind gears and kill the main spring. And since AP no longer sells parts to independent watch makers - parts are very scarce and repairs are very expensive.
I have the pain of regret and have spent over $8K in 2 repairs and 3 services.
Caveat Emptor my friend!

That’s a big number for service. I had a 15300 a few years back and like an idiot sold it. Service ran about $1,500 and it ran great. I do think the DD can go much longer intervals without being serviced.

[2001jesper]

Prefer the DD based on aesthetics and you have a gorgeous piece But have also never tried on a 15300

[wisguy]

I've owned several Rolex and AP, more than I care to list.

Among them a 15300, but never a DD.

Not sure where you are in the watch "journey", but usually after a few Rolex watches you "graduate" to AP or other brands, only to later come back to Rolex.

So.. my advice would be to buy the AP outight if possible instead of trading it, eventually you will want the DD back and you'll end yo paying most probably more than you will get for yours now.

A WG DD is the ultimate sleeper watch in my view, YG and RG are loud, WG is understated.

[kneedeep]

I've had an 18238 same year as yours and a 15300. The AP remains. Incomparable design and finishing.

[Ny325]

Love that watch OP. Nice and classy.

[timeldn]

The DD

[Ragnarok]

Originally Posted by huncho

im not a big fan of wg and personally feel like a big part of what makes a day date special and iconic is the yellow gold, so probably the ap in this case

with that said, i have a yg dd36 and a 15450 and if i had to pick one to keep it would be the day date

Good evening,
How does the size compare between Td 36dd vs 37m 15450? Is it true that the 37 wears more like a 39m ? What color dial is your AP ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gerardus]

DD of course, but I am biased.

[Wahlberg]

Do you really want to spend 25-30k on a 15300? These prices are ridiculous.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Do you really want to spend 25-30k on a 15300? These prices are ridiculous.

You can find them cheaper than that
I bought mine 2 weeks ago full set in mint condition from a dealer in Spain for less than $20.000. Even has a new strap installed.

They can co-exist next to each other in a collection because they are so different.
Especially if you would go for the white gold day date.
I have the 18238 black dial as well and they wear different. the DD comes along on beach vacations and hits the beach/sea without any issues.
The AP is more for casual dress situations where water isn't involved

Conclusion, you can't go wrong with either and if you can get them both!

[dmash]

The 15300 wears *much* bigger than the dd36 in case you didn’t know.


With that being said, the 15300 is the best proportioned RO they made (along with Jumbo). 15400 and 15500 is way too large IMO

[AK797]

Interesting choice, I would choose the AP and the 15300 in RG especially is an absolute beauty and one of my first lusted after dream watches, I went on to buy a ROC RG when I had the funds. As for maintenance, well if the cost is $1000 every 3 years then that is fair enough given the retail price plus the fact it is not in production anymore and so will succumb to natural wear and tear and dryness.

[Hollie_Rollie]

DD36 all the way. Classic piece

[barneb10]

DD36 all day long

[fania123]

Dd36

[1William]

The DD is the choice. Beautiful watch.

[Alan111]

Originally Posted by dmash

The 15300 wears *much* bigger than the dd36 in case you didn’t know.


With that being said, the 15300 is the best proportioned RO they made (along with Jumbo). 15400 and 15500 is way too large IMO

Agreed on this. The other bummer about the 15300OR is that it never came on bracelet.

[NachoNeal]

Your DD is super sweet and understated and a much better choice.

[GoingPlaces]

DD all day. No matter what, it's always a special watch.

[agsstructures]

Thanks for the comments, seems like most favor the DD.

[Verdi]

Both are solid choices but a mint wg DD is always gonna be the winner!

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by AK797

Interesting choice, I would choose the AP and the 15300 in RG especially is an absolute beauty and one of my first lusted after dream watches, I went on to buy a ROC RG when I had the funds. As for maintenance, well if the cost is $1000 every 3 years then that is fair enough given the retail price plus the fact it is not in production anymore and so will succumb to natural wear and tear and dryness.

Funny you mention this. Tried on the 15300OR a few months back in Black. Was not a full set but loved the watch. The 15300 is becoming harder to complete.

[descartes]

I love Rolex but the AP 15300 kills the Day Date 36. No comparison in terms of finishing, attention to detail, and especially exclusivity.

Also, I’ve had my 15300 since NIB (8 years) and it’s never needed service.


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[BisonHead]

That WG DD is lovely, understated elegance.

[huncho]

Originally Posted by Ragnarok

Good evening,
How does the size compare between Td 36dd vs 37m 15450? Is it true that the 37 wears more like a 39m ? What color dial is your AP ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yeah the 15450 wears a bit bigger than 37

here's a photo

[faimag]

My vote goes for the 15300.