Really going extinct?

[cdnyc]

Very speculative I know, but do you guys really think AP won't bring back the 15300 or a similar 39mm selfwinding? Here are the two reasons it's hard for me to believe:
1) Many feel that 41mm is simply too big for their wrist (with lugs extending beyond the wrist).
2) There are folks for whom it's very important that the watch be true to the original design.

AP's strategy seems to be leaving these folks with the 15202 as a solution. But while I personally prefer the 15202 to 15300, it's not a totally practical watch for everyone, mainly because it doesn't have a seconds hand, no screw-down crown, extra slim makes it less sporty, etc. Seems to me that when the 15300 is gone AP will have left a void in their product line -- not in some peripheral, niche, or trendy segment, but right smack in the center.

So again, do you really think AP won't bring back the 15300 or a similar 39mm selfwinding? Reminder of what's at stake here:

[mrkz]

Remember for most of its life the most common size was the 37mm, and many (maybe most) were quartz. 39mm was outsized when it launched, and through the 80s and 90s when most men's watches were around 36mm.

So I think the principle will continue to be that the all time classic 15202 continues as the pure lineage, mainly for collectors, and the others will be interpreted in size and details for current fashions. At the moment sizes are large, and so the default men's will be the 41mm.

Average sizes may head slightly smaller in the next 5 years, not least because of the importance of the Asian markets, but that would still give the 15400 an average life as the core reference (and it is hardly oversized next to a lot of big sellers these days).

Bear in mind too that the consensus on the forums and sales in the real world may be very different. Some watches, like the 15400 and the Skydweller, get a group thumbs down on here but I'm yet to see how that translates into sales. Conversely some forum favorites like the Milgauss (which I adore) are a little quirky and harder to shift to 'normal' folk.

[Submarino]

Interesting points. I feel that the 15202 will prevail as the flagship classic Royal Oak (as it should be) and the 15400 the bigger option for those that think 39mm is too small. From a product management and marketing perspective it doesn't make sense to carry two Royal Oaks in 39mm with different calibers and different case thicknesses. I do think that the 15300 is a perfect RO with screw down crown, seconds, quick-set calendar, exhibition back and one of the finest automatic movements ever made. Happy I own one and a classic 5402. Just my 2 cents.



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[Darlinboy]

Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, I'll enjoy my classic and (for me) perfectly-proportioned 15300.

[kilyung]

Moot as the 15300 is officially done

[Hairdude1]

Glad I have one!

[cdnyc]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Moot as the 15300 is officially done

Reason for the thread is to see if folks, particularly those who have been around for more of the AP evolution than me, think AP will really be able to NOT bring 15300 (or something similar) back. Seems like 41mm doesn't work for many folks -- lugs going beyond the wrist line etc. If a reasonable proportion of folks feel that way, can AP really manage to only offer the Jumbo for those looking for a classic, basic RO look? As MRKZ pointed out, Jumbo may appeal mostly to collectors. So if you can't fit a 15400, will AP just let you walk away?

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by cdnyc81

Reason for the thread is to see if folks, particularly those who have been around for more of the AP evolution than me, think AP will really be able to NOT bring 15300 (or something similar) back. Seems like 41mm doesn't work for many folks -- lugs going beyond the wrist line etc. If a reasonable proportion of folks feel that way, can AP really manage to only offer the Jumbo for those looking for a classic, basic RO look? As MRKZ pointed out, Jumbo may appeal mostly to collectors. So if you can't fit a 15400, will AP just let you walk away?

Having the 15300 or any other reference in 39mm other than the 'Jumbo' makes no sense for the brand.


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[kilyung]

Originally Posted by cdnyc81

Reason for the thread is to see if folks, particularly those who have been around for more of the AP evolution than me, think AP will really be able to NOT bring 15300 (or something similar) back. Seems like 41mm doesn't work for many folks -- lugs going beyond the wrist line etc. If a reasonable proportion of folks feel that way, can AP really manage to only offer the Jumbo for those looking for a classic, basic RO look? As MRKZ pointed out, Jumbo may appeal mostly to collectors. So if you can't fit a 15400, will AP just let you walk away?

I highly doubt AP will bring back the 15300 but who's to say they won't release a new 40mm model some time in the future? Mistake or not, it is what it is.

[B. Doggy]

I don't think they'll bring it back.

[mb23]

It won't be coming back.. and I expect more 41's to join the line. I actually think it's a perfect fit for the line. The line didn't need both the 202 and the 300, it made no sense.

And trust me, the 15400 is selling!

[Dickson Lim]

IMO, maybe AP is confidence that those looking for 39mm will be more than happy to fork out some extra cash to get the Jumbo. As it sure does have a great history to back up the premium.
On the other hand, for those that are more into the trend, there is 41mm for them. Hence, both purists and modern lovers are covered.

Too bad, my wrist don't really look good with the 41mm as well.

[dpkong]

While most forum posters, myself included, seem to feel that 41mm is a little large, maybe the actual buyers do not?

The default size for men's watches has been moving from 36mm to 41/42mm over the last decade. Could it be due to the fact that with a better life (read that as bad eating habits) the general population is growing larger wrists?

[TSW]

I am among the the guy's that don't like the 41mm.
However the 39mm is now gone and replaced by the 41mm and i don't think the 15300 will re-appear.

[drhr]

but I like the 15450 and waiting to see if they will intro a blue dial at SIHH or Baselworld. At 37 mm, I'm thinking it will be perfect for my small wrist . . .

[Slider817]

I think it was a pretty good move, don't forget there are still other 39mm options, like the Dual Time.

[mb23]

Originally Posted by Slider817

I think it was a pretty good move, don't forget there are still other 39mm options, like the Dual Time.

That won't be for long,the DT is also slated to be discontinued.