15202 - to get or not to get?

[Token74]

Hi all

I currently have three AP’s - a couple of 15450’s (one blue, one silver) and a Diver.

I’m considering adding two more. First, a 15202 and then depending on how I get on with the 39mm size, maybe a 25820.

The 15202 would be in addition to the 15450’s and not instead of. But the Diver may go as I find it too big really (although it is my guilty-pleasure watch so it may stay).

The 15450 reference fits my 6.5” wrist perfectly in my view. The dimensions (thick case relative to diameter) mean that although it’s a classy watch, it has rugged appeal.

I like the idea of the 15202 as a classy watch to wear on dressier occasions.

My question (finally) is this...

Has anyone with similar sized wrists owned a 15202 and a 15450, and if so, how did you find the size of the 15202?

I’ve tried on 41mm and deffo too big for me.

Some pictures of the 15450 on my wrist for reference.










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[benlee]

For me, the 15202 is a must have in any AP collection. It' the quintessential AP Royal Oak, the original, the one that started it all. It's the perfect AP in terms of proportions and design. It's only deficiency imho is the lack of a quick set date but I can live with it.

Here's my 15202 on my 6.75" wrist. 6 years of ownership and definitely never going anywhere.

[travisb]

It'll wear thinner than any that you are used to but you should have zero issues. It's a damn near perfect watch and as Ben said - the quintesential AP.

[Bearxj86]

15202 wears quite a bit bigger (like a 41mm dial) but the bracelet is much thinner as it the case. I personally would not own both and stick with the 15450.

[V25V]

If you do, I would get rid of the 15450. Not much point having both.

[Andrew NYC]

When purchasing my 15202 I considered the 15300 and 15400 as well. Out of the gate, I didn't like the 15400 as I thought it was too big on my 6.5" wrist. Also to me, the dial ratios were out of proportion (this has been addressed somewhat with the release of the 15500). It was then between the 15300 and 15202. As others have said, the Jumbo was the original design and the reintroduction in 2012 is what did it for me. I love the sleekness of the Jumbo with its very slim case and bracelet. The petit tapisserie dial, double deployant clasp (the former version has a single clasp) and finally the 2121 extra-thin movement its decorated rotor, jewel assembly, etc.

In comparison, the 15300 felt chunkier and less refined (of course like all APs they are incredibly well made and finished) and I personally wanted to get as close as I could to the original without going vintage.

Price was, of course, a factor however in 2013 not only could you fairly easily get the 15202, you could if lucky, negotiate a discount. Based on that it was a slam dunk and to this day this is hands down one of my favorite pieces of all times. Today however times have changed and the availability of the 15202 is dramatically different so that may likely play a role in your decision making.

Regardless of what you choose you really cannot go wrong.

[RHIII]

The 15202 is a staple in an AP collection - and one of my favorite watches.

It does wear a little bigger than the 39mm and can coexist with the 15450s. Although I’d axe the blue one for the 15202. Just me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[watchguy1234]

I put together a comparison with photos not too long ago.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=707894

[Token74]

Originally Posted by watchguy1234

I put together a comparison with photos not too long ago.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=707894

Thanks, just had a look. Also seen a picture of the 15202 on your wrist, it looks magnificent. What is your wrist size?

[jay_kay]

Hard to disagree, the 15202 is the best proportioned 39mm AP there is. Been waiting 2.5 years for a call from AP UK........ Still waiting.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

15202 wears quite a bit bigger (like a 41mm dial) but the bracelet is much thinner as it the case. I personally would not own both and stick with the 15450.

I didn’t like how it fit in my bony 6.5. Def wears larger. I’d hold. Certainly would not own all 3 at once

[turborolex]

Originally Posted by Token74

Hi all

I currently have three AP’s - a couple of 15450’s (one blue, one silver) and a Diver.

I’m considering adding two more. First, a 15202 and then depending on how I get on with the 39mm size, maybe a 25820.

The 15202 would be in addition to the 15450’s and not instead of. But the Diver may go as I find it too big really (although it is my guilty-pleasure watch so it may stay).

The 15450 reference fits my 6.5” wrist perfectly in my view. The dimensions (thick case relative to diameter) mean that although it’s a classy watch, it has rugged appeal.

I like the idea of the 15202 as a classy watch to wear on dressier occasions.

My question (finally) is this...

Has anyone with similar sized wrists owned a 15202 and a 15450, and if so, how did you find the size of the 15202?

I’ve tried on 41mm and deffo too big for me.

Some pictures of the 15450 on my wrist for reference.










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Can’t go wrong with a 15202.

Have you considered a 26120? It’s 39 mm as well.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Vipes]

For me, the 15202 wears slightly larger than the 15300. The flatter profile and more obtuse angle of the lugs make it wear larger. I now have the 15300 and it is the perfect fit for me. I think you’ll be fine with the fit.

I think the 15202 is a special watch and I’ve considered re-acquiring one but just can’t get myself to pay the secondary market premium.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by turborolex

Can’t go wrong with a 15202.

Have you considered a 26120? It’s 39 mm as well.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have considered this one, but I have two dual times already (Rolex BLRO and Patek 5990). 39mm Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is however on my hit list, once I’m convinced by the 39mm size.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cascavel]

If your 15450 fits you perfectly then forget the 15202. It's a beautiful watch but a complete pain in the ass to set the date, if that matters to you and even setting the time can be an effort. Unless you can get one at retail, my advice is to look elsewhere.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by cascavel

If your 15450 fits you perfectly then forget the 15202. It's a beautiful watch but a complete pain in the ass to set the date, if that matters to you and even setting the time can be an effort. Unless you can get one at retail, my advice is to look elsewhere.

Not too worried about the date setting issue, I use watch winders. And to be honest, compared with the hassle
of finding the tool for setting a date on my Patek, it will be a doddle!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Token74

Not too worried about the date setting issue, I use watch winders. And to be honest, compared with the hassle
of finding the tool for setting a date on my Patek, it will be a doddle!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The 15202st is a PITA to wind and set compared to anything I've owned.

With Patek you can use a Toothpick but the 15202 you need to go back and forth between 10pm and 2pm grrr.

Also when winding the crown tends to pop back in. Just my 2 cents.

[Andrew NYC]

The key to winding and setting the 15202 is having an AP winding tool (or keeping it on a winder). I first saw the tool when touring the AP factory a few years ago. I later asked the boutique to order me one which they did (see below). Makes setting and winding a breeze (relatively speaking).

While I agree this can be seen as a negative I think the 15202 has more positives than negatives.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by benlee

For me, the 15202 is a must have in any AP collection. It' the quintessential AP Royal Oak, the original, the one that started it all. It's the perfect AP in terms of proportions and design. It's only deficiency imho is the lack of a quick set date but I can live with it.

Here's my 15202 on my 6.75" wrist. 6 years of ownership and definitely never going anywhere.

Agree with this, my wrist is 7.25 and I think it’s just right.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by Andrew NYC

The key to winding and setting the 15202 is having an AP winding tool (or keeping it on a winder). I first saw the tool when touring the AP factory a few years ago. I later asked the boutique to order me one which they did (see below). Makes setting and winding a breeze (relatively speaking).

While I agree this can be seen as a negative I think the 15202 has more positives than negatives.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Whoah! I must get one of these.

Do boutiques know what you're asking for when you ask for one of these? Or do I have to explain / come with photo in hand?

[JMW]

I bought mine around the same time as him and it's one that i am definately keeping.

I also have the diver and am thinking about letting it go as i just find it too big and no longer really wear it.

I have a 7" wrist and it fit's perfectly so if you can a 15202 i'd jump on it.

[gsg]

Those complaining about the date setting on the 15202 must have not had much experience with vintage watches in general, which many lack the quick-set feature. On many early Rolex watches you do need to spin the hour hand twice around the dial to advance 24 hours before the date moves. It really takes a while if you want to set forth the date by twenty days, for example... To me it is a huge benefit and I find it very smart that the 15202 has that 10 pm/1 pm shortcut and I find it a breeze setting the date as compared to my other vintage watches. I guess it is all relative.

Hand winding the watch though for more than a few turns can indeed get painful for your fingers given the small diameter and sharp corners of the crown. But is these things what gives the character (and perfect proportions) to this watch and I wouldn't change it one bit.

[Andrew NYC]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Whoah! I must get one of these.

Do boutiques know what you're asking for when you ask for one of these? Or do I have to explain / come with photo in hand?

The boutiques (and perhaps some ADs) should know exactly what this is (however feel free to use my picture and I can post more as necessary). They are typically shipped from the Clearwater service center.

The beauty of this tool is that it has 4 different screw-on tips that precisely fit every AP crown size. The tips are made of plastic (while the main body is steel) and therefore will not harm or scratch the crown or case side when using. The pointy end of the tool is for setting any recessed buttons on perpetuals, etc. The tool is most useful when setting the date (being not quick change) as it allows you to rapidly wind or go back and forth to set the correct date. While not quite as convenient as a quick-set date it makes it much less tedious.

While I know that some people consider the lack of a quick-set date, seconds hand and non screw-down crown to be a detractor of this reference, I find that the these aspects are consistent with the original 2121 movement design and allow it to be as thin as it is. The shallow depth rating is not a concern for me as I'm not using this watch for diving, pool use, shower, etc. (I have other watches for those purposes). You can certainly get the watch wet when washing your hands, in the rain, etc. You just need to be thoughtful, as you would with any watch of this type.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

The 15202st is a PITA to wind and set compared to anything I've owned.

With Patek you can use a Toothpick but the 15202 you need to go back and forth between 10pm and 2pm grrr.

Also when winding the crown tends to pop back in. Just my 2 cents.

Plus one

[C_Troy242]

Originally Posted by V25V

If you do, I would get rid of the 15450. Not much point having both.

You mean one of his two?

Yes, in ur shoes, Id drop the blue 15450 for the 15202 given the chance. All 3 would feel like there's a shade of redudancy to the collection which would trigger me ...but you may be different.

[Token74]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It’s been super-useful. I think I’ve made my decision, although I’m going to sleep on it! Further update tomorrow...probably!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk