The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has a new iteration that has been released, called the Ref. 15500ST. As far as Audemars Piguet watches go, it didn’t get the sort of attention when it was introduced like some others by the watchmaker did. This is unfortunate because it is an exceptional timepiece.
When you take your first glance at this AP Royal Oak, it will look like your standard Royal Oak. However, there are some significant differences you will want to know about.
The Movement
The biggest change has to be the movement. This version of the AP Royal Oak has the caliber 4302. This self-winding movement also appears within the CODE 11.59 series of AP watches.
You can consider this movement to be an upgrade from the previous one, caliber 3120. That is because it makes 28,800 beats per hour compared with the 3120’s 21,600 beats per hour. Additionally, there is now a 70-hour power reserve compared to the previous 60 hours.
Continuing with the movement, it is also 32mm now, which allows for greater balance regarding the case. Additionally, the skeletonized 22K gold rotor enables you to peer into the magnificent beauty of this timepiece. You also get Geneva stripes on all of the parts. Also, the polished bevels bring a little extra sophistication to this sporty watch.
The Dial
The dial contains a square pattern that is known as a Grand Tapisserie. Looking more closely, there is an incredible amount of detail you can see that went into the making of it. Currently, you can get the dial in either blue, gray, or black. However, the blue dial is much rarer than the other two options.
The indexes and hands on this new AP Royal Oak are a bit thicker than previous models, resulting in a watch that looks sportier than its previous iterations. Also, the indexes are shorter by a little bit compared to the 15202 version.
When it comes to the date display, it has moved to where it used to be on the original model that came out back in 1972. This is something that lovers of the first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch will be pleasantly surprised with seeing.
The Case & Bracelet
The diameter of the case sits at 41mm. While slightly thicker than its predecessors, it’s barely noticeable. Also, the bracelet is integrated while the bezel is still octagonal like previous versions. You get a blend of satin and polished finishes just like you expect for an AP Royal Oak water. Additionally, the watch is water-resistant for up to 50 meters.
The Price
Finally, we come to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak price. The price for the new 15500 goes for $19,200 at retail. However, this retail Audemars Piguet price isn’t one you’re likely to find easily. Thankfully, the secondary market has plenty of these readily available. Wrist Aficionado has one waiting for you at a price point of around $37,000. If you are looking for a new AP Royal Oak watch that’s slightly sportier than its predecessors, then you will want to consider getting this one.