Question about 15202 vs. 15500st

[wiem0014]

Over the last few years I've been able to develop a great relationship with a Rolex/Patek AD and I've been able to acquire some great Rolex pieces. I'm reaching the end of my Rolex wishlist as I hope to aquire a Daytona this year and I'm starting to think about what will be next.

My initial thoight was Patek since my AD sells Patek as well. However I only like a few of their pieces. I started doing some research on AP and have fallen in love with many watches in the RO line.

I do have a question that I was hoping you could help me with. Why is the 15202 cost so much more than the 15500st? Typically smaller watches cost less, but the 15202 sells for more at MSRP and sells for a larger premium on the gray market. Does it just come down to supply and demand? Or is there another reason I am overlooking?

Thanks for your help!

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by wiem0014

Over the last few years I've been able to develop a great relationship with a Rolex/Patek AD and I've been able to acquire some great Rolex pieces. I'm reaching the end of my Rolex wishlist as I hope to aquire a Daytona this year and I'm starting to think about what will be next.

My initial thoight was Patek since my AD sells Patek as well. However I only like a few of their pieces. I started doing some research on AP and have fallen in love with many watches in the RO line.

I do have a question that I was hoping you could help me with. Why is the 15202 cost so much more than the 15500st? Typically smaller watches cost less, but the 15202 sells for more at MSRP and sells for a larger premium on the gray market. Does it just come down to supply and demand? Or is there another reason I am overlooking?

Thanks for your help!

https://thewatchlounge.com/audemars-...ew-with-price/

[wiem0014]

Originally Posted by illiguy

https://thewatchlounge.com/audemars-...ew-with-price/

Awesome, great article! So the 15202 is the "original" RO which makes sense why the demand is higher. The 39mm is also widely considered to be the perfect size for many, so that also makes sense.

I guess the part I can't wrap my head around is why MSRP is so much less for the smaller "jumbo" despite similar build and function.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by wiem0014

Awesome, great article! So the 15202 is the "original" RO which makes sense why the demand is higher. The 39mm is also widely considered to be the perfect size for many, so that also makes sense.

I guess the part I can't wrap my head around is why MSRP is so much less for the smaller "jumbo" despite similar build and function.

The article certainly speaks to the demand side, but the Jumbo is also more limited in production. I had asked what annual output was on the forum previously, and another more informed user mentioned that ~ 1,000 15202STs are produced by AP per annum.

[wiem0014]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The article certainly speaks to the demand side, but the Jumbo is also more limited in production. I had asked what annual output was on the forum previously, and another more informed user mentioned that ~ 1,000 15202STs are produced by AP per annum.

That's great info too, and definitely helps me understand the increased premium. I guess I'm still stuck on the larger MSRP haha. It even appears the movement in the 15500 has a longer reserve.

Maybe it's more difficult and time consuming to build? That could explain the lower output and larger price. I'm just used to similar watches going up in price as size increases (DJ36 vs DJ41 for example).

Thanks for all of your help! I just want to make sure I am not missing anything as I was considering the 15500 as my first AP.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by wiem0014

That's great info too, and definitely helps me understand the increased premium. I guess I'm still stuck on the larger MSRP haha. It even appears the movement in the 15500 has a longer reserve.

Maybe it's more difficult and time consuming to build? That could explain the lower output and larger price. I'm just used to similar watches going up in price as size increases (DJ36 vs DJ41 for example).

Thanks for all of your help! I just want to make sure I am not missing anything as I was considering the 15500 as my first AP.

Actual production costs are at best one driver for the pricing of high-end luxury items. And no, most Rolexes (if not all) are not in that category.

AP may or may not make more profit on each 15202 sold (vs each 15500 sold) but that is not the point.

Only the 15202 is the original design icon still in production after nearly 50 years (with very limited changes from the OG 5402). By setting its MSRP higher, making it boutique exclusive, and by making it much harder to get in general - something people are supposed to work up to by buying less desirable watches such as the 15500 - AP (ab)uses its one true icon to push their other watches into the market.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The article certainly speaks to the demand side, but the Jumbo is also more limited in production. I had asked what annual output was on the forum previously, and another more informed user mentioned that ~1,000 15202STs are produced by AP per annum.

And half of them end up in the hands of greys.

[supernova]

Also comes down to the craftsmanship as the Jumbo has an ultra thin movement and is also much more extensively hand finished than the 15500 movement.


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[wiem0014]

Originally Posted by supernova

Also comes down to the craftsmanship as the Jumbo has an ultra thin movement and is also much more extensively hand finished than the 15500 movement.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Awesome, thank you very much for the reply. That does make a lot of sense, both in terms of number produced and cost. I appreciate it!

[charlie2888]

15202 movement (2121) is almost entirely handmade/finished at AP Renaud et Papi if I'm not mistaken?

[peobles21]

Thanks for the info