15500 vs. 26331

[fspfsp]

In a dream world where you can walk into a boutique and both a 15500 and a 26631 are available, which do you choose and why? I love the clean look of the 15500, but being time only, I think I want something more.

Currently my stable is Rolex (SkyDweller, SD43, Exp2, and DSSD) and an old Patek Calatrava that was my fathers. Now looking to branch out.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Frank

[haw1144]

I went w/the 26331st personally... i just love the chrono dial look. it also looks like you don't have a chrono in the lineup... might be a good time to start!

[dauster]

I prefer the clean look of the 15500 and also the display of the movement in the back of the watch is something I love. Nothing wrong with the 26631 though lovely watch.

[macrowatch]

If this is a dream, they would have 26320 with contrasting sub-dials and a display back...

But if in the real world, I would go with the 26331ST. I wear it more than the 15500 personally. Plus you don't have a chrono in the mix there. I personally find the 15500 is nice when I put it on, but gets dull by the afternoon. too much negative and empty space. I much prefer the dial layout of the 15400 for that reason to balance it out - again personally.

[supersam80]

ROC for a one AP collection
RO if you want to add a ROO later

All in my humble opinion of course

[7sins]

I have owned both, in various dial configurations. I prefer the 15400 over the 15500, optically the 15500 dial looks a bit empty and makes the bezel look thinner. The chrono wears bigger but I think optically looks better on the wrist. I prefer the 26320 without contrasting subdials and I pair with a 15202 for my AP pair. The blue on the newer 26331 are much darker than previous dials and the contrasting subdials gets old after awhile. My subjection .02.

[Vivalas]

By coincidence I was faced with a 15500 (silver) and a 26331 (panda) at the AP House a couple of months back. Such a dilemma at the time. Both really amazing watches and very hard to decide. Bizarrely at the time I kind of preferred the panda but I went for the 15500.

The 26331 wears bigger (well it seemed like it) and I prefer that, also the dials are quite striking. It was my first AP and based on a number of factors, including that I’ve got a white dial Daytona and if I didn’t bond with AP I figured the 15500 would be easier to move along.

As soon as I got on the train home I realised a few things:

1. The dial on the silver was stunning, as was the bracelet.
2. I’d have been totally happy with either choice.
3. Unless things are taking out of my hands, I’m 100% sure I’ll own another AP again. I’d like to think I have a 15500 and a 26331.

Either way, you’ll love it.

[salnuaimi]

I know you are looking for the 41 mm .. was on the same bought... craving the RO blue dial . but given that it was out of reach i never thought twice of getting the chrono .. falling in love with it every day .. however im having the 26315ST

[AG_Watches]

I personally was on the waitlist for the 15500ST for 18+ months with the Bal Harbor boutique. I have wanted the silver dial for the last 6-8 years and so started making the moves to aquire it and pretty much obsessed about it.

Oddly enough about 4 weeks ago they told me it would he another 6-8 months on 15500st in Silver, but he could offer me the 26331ST- Panda now. After 24 hours of contemplating waiting longer or going with the ROC I started to find the non chrono dial boring after obsessing about it for so long. I purchased the 26331ST-Panda and am extremely happy with my decision. The only thing I wish is the ROC had an exhibition case back. My collection is now only 2 watches the 26331 panda and 116710BLNR-Batman

Hope this helps!

[VogelPhoenix]

I was offered the choice between a 15400 black/grey and 26331 two years ago at the than newly-opened boutique in Frankfurt. Eventually got a 15500 grey dial in 2019 and have asked for a 26331 for next year. In isolation, I still think RO and then ROC is the way to go, but w/o a chrono in the collection, ROC has another argument going for it as first AP.

[Becweb]

Chrono for the win! I also prefer the proportions and dial of the 15400

[Benzsiam]

It's good to have both. I got 15500OR with full rose gold bracelet, I love the clean and very elegant look, I also use as dress watch sometime also. I am on the wait list for 26331st blue dial.

[Reign]

I’d prefer chrono. The 15500 is just too bare for me

[fspfsp]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I was leaning towards the 26331 to fill the chrono gap in my collection. I suspect a time only RO will find it's way into my box at some point as well.

[Mr. Drunmond]

I was in a similar spot, but because i had the reverse panda speedy, went with the 3 hander.

[thekman]

I owned the 15500st, sold it and now own the 26331. Both are black dials but I prefer the contrast that the white subdials give vs the fully black dial on the 15500. Playing around with the chrono is another thing I love.

[rolex01]

I favor 26331 for its dial proportion and balance over the empty looking 15500.
Of all colors in 26331, I like the panda contrast combination best over the blue.

[Cease676]

My stable is fairly similar to yours and I went with the ROC Panda and couldn’t be happier with the decision.


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[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by rolex01

I favor 26331 for its dial proportion and balance over the empty looking 15500.
Of all colors in 26331, I like the panda contrast combination best over the blue.

I agree, you have great taste in watches!!!

[fspfsp]

Update guys, in case you didn't see my "incoming" post

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by fspfsp

Update guys, in case you didn't see my "incoming" post

Congratulations!!! That's what I would have done

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by fspfsp

Update guys, in case you didn't see my "incoming" post

Nice. Strangely, I went for a 15500 (grey dial) first and 26331 (Panda) later, when they were still attainable, but now would definitely trade the 15500 first, if I needed to.

[Bearxj86]

Personally prefer the symmetrical subdials of the 26320 versions. This one is the limited Leo Messi with a tantalum bezel.

15500 and 15400 are nice too but prefer the Chrono. If going 3 hander would do the 15202 personally

[GW44]

Originally Posted by fspfsp

Update guys, in case you didn't see my "incoming" post

Awesome

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

Personally prefer the symmetrical subdials of the 26320 versions. This one is the limited Leo Messi with a tantalum bezel.

15500 and 15400 are nice too but prefer the Chrono. If going 3 hander would do the 15202 personally

I love that! Looks great on your wrist and definitely different from the base AP chronos.

[BrunoMalik]

Originally Posted by fspfsp

Update guys, in case you didn't see my "incoming" post

Congrats man, looks fantastic. I cant find your incoming thread though.


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[fspfsp]

Originally Posted by BrunoMalik

Congrats man, looks fantastic. I cant find your incoming thread though.


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Title - Incoming and Over the Moon! from March 17, 2021