The right size

[brady]

I'm doing a little debating between the 15300 and 15400, like I'm sure many have before me. I do not live in an area that has an AP dealer nearby so I'm flying a bit blind.

There are several threads that already cover people's preference so I'm not looking to reboot that, but does anyone have advice for me with my inability to actually try one on?

I guess I could always wait until I travel to a city with an AD but I even then I'm not guaranteed to run across either one of those models. Has anyone ever purchased one blindly and then flipped to the other because of size preference?

[Sixshooter]

I can't help you any. But I have the same dilemma, I see all these watches I am interested in but no way of seeing them in the flesh. Dallas is the closest city to me that carries AP and Breguet (the 2 that interest me) and its 7 hours away. So I need to either take a weekend an go check them out, or buy blind and hope for the best knowing I might have to flip one if it doesn't work out.

[Hanz079]

It would be good if you can provide us with what watches that you're currently wearing most and hope some good folks here come up with comparison shots or some sort.

For a watch like AP, which is not cheap... I would advise against buying blind.
Try one on before making a decision.

During my AP purchase, I have tried and decided that I like the 15400... bought it.... but I have yet to try the 15300...

Someone mentioned that fresh eyes tend to accept the newer 41mm while older fans prefer the smaller 39mm.
If you get the chance to try on both, great... but if you tried either one and decide to pull the trigger without trying the other... great as well... as long as you're happy with it.

As for me, I am currently a happy camper.

[brady]

Originally Posted by Hanz079

It would be good if you can provide us with what watches that you're currently wearing most and hope some good folks here come up with comparison shots or some sort.

For a watch like AP, which is not cheap... I would advise against buying blind.
Try one on before making a decision.

During my AP purchase, I have tried and decided that I like the 15400... bought it.... but I have yet to try the 15300...

Someone mentioned that fresh eyes tend to accept the newer 41mm while older fans prefer the smaller 39mm.
If you get the chance to try on both, great... but if you tried either one and decide to pull the trigger without trying the other... great as well... as long as you're happy with it.

As for me, I am currently a happy camper.

Great question.

I currently wear a Sub 16610lv, Pt./SS YM, and PP Aquanaut. One of my favorites was my Exp II white (previous version) that I gave to my wife. I did appreciate the size of the Exp. I also had a PAM 112 but after a year or so sold it due to the size.

Starting to think 39mm may be the ticket, but I am hesitatent on buying blind, as you state. I guess patience is virtue. Time to plan a trip soon!

Thanks for the feedback!

[brady]

Also, if anyone has pics that compare the two, I would greatly appreciate some examples.

[emagni]

Brady, a factor of 6 is the general rule. So if you have a 7 inch wrist than multiple it by 6 and that is generally the size of a watch that will look proportionate to your wrist. It isn't a surprise why there is a movement towards 40mm through 42mm watches. In this case with the 15400, it is right sized at 41mm because I assume most men have a wrist size that would look great with this watch and even if this is not true....the movement to larger size watch makes it compelling to offer such a size.

I have a 7 inch wrist so I prefer to wear watches that are at least 40mm and above. 41mm looks best on me for dress watches and 42mm through 44mm sport watches looks best on me. Anything under 40mm now looks too small to me and 36mm watches are way to small for me.

I do want to point out that anything Royal Oak will look bigger because of the way it is designed so 39mm AP Royal Oak will look more like 40mm to 41mm. Generally I see AP Royal Oak appears to be larger by 1mm to 2mm. That said....I would still choose the 41mm AP 15400 as it is the newer offering and it has what most would say a more superior bracelet and clasp. The dial on the 15400 and placement of the hour markers are more true to Gerald Genta design but with a beef up watch that is better matched with what is relevant today. I think the closest AD to you would be the one in Clear Lake, Texas which is south of Houston. It's always best to try it on before shedding the cash. What is ironic is I have never even tried on any of the APs I have purchased and it has always worked out. But I would advise this if asks....sport model AP looks better when you're in shape. LOL The good thing of spending all this money is that it has encouraged me to work out. Hope this helps.

[B. Doggy]

I bought my 15300 without trying one on and love it. I have 7.25" wrists and actually love the proportions of the watch. I currently own some 45mm-46mm watches, too. Tried the 15400 and it was nice, but didn't sing to me. Fitting that 3120 movement into a larger case throws a few things off IMHO.

[Hanz079]

I have taken just 1 picture to compare the 15400 41mm next to my friend's Hulk.



These are pictures that I found here. Both 15300 39mm.
Credit to the original owners.




This is me emulating Leo Messi....




My wrist size is 6.75 inches.
Hope these pics can give you a rough idea.

[brady]

Thank you all for the great pics and information! Decisions decisions decisions...