15202 vs 15500

[Starguru]

I currently have a 15202 (bought 2012 before all the madness). I always love wearing the watch but find when I don't wear it for a while setting the date is a PITA. Also, I get worried doing things like washing dishes and giving the kids baths with it on.

Would a 15500 feel as fragile as the 15202 does? Both watches have the same water resistance but the 15500 has a screw down crown. Do people wear the 15500 to the pool or in the shower? My 15202 has picked up its share of scratches over the last 9 years and I assume a 15500 would be the same.

Im not sure what I really want to do here but is it worth going for a 15500? I probably couldn't even get one (silver dial) with the current market.

[HMHM]

If you have a 15202, the 15500 feels very similar tbh. It feels sturdier and the movement allows for quick set date and hacking seconds hand. I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything like a AP or PP into a pool despite it being marketed as a ‘sport watch’. I personally prefer the 15500 over the 15202 but I’m in the minority group. If you think of trading in the 15202 then no, if you think of adding the 15500 then yes.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by HMHM

If you have a 15202, the 15500 feels very similar tbh. It feels sturdier and the movement allows for quick set date and hacking seconds hand. I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything like a AP or PP into a pool despite it being marketed as a ‘sport watch’. I personally prefer the 15500 over the 15202 but I’m in the minority group. If you think of trading in the 15202 then no, if you think of adding the 15500 then yes.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by HMHM

If you have a 15202, the 15500 feels very similar tbh. It feels sturdier and the movement allows for quick set date and hacking seconds hand. I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything like a AP or PP into a pool despite it being marketed as a ‘sport watch’. I personally prefer the 15500 over the 15202 but I’m in the minority group. If you think of trading in the 15202 then no, if you think of adding the 15500 then yes.

I have taken all my AP och PPs swimming. They are designed waterproof and able to handle swimming perfectly adequate.

As response to the TS. The 15500 feels and is more substantial. Bracelet is thicker in all dimensions, crown is screw down, not sure about the rear saphire class but the front one is thicker.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

I have taken all my AP och PPs swimming. They are designed waterproof and able to handle swimming perfectly adequate.

As response to the TS. The 15500 feels and is more substantial. Bracelet is thicker in all dimensions, crown is screw down, not sure about the rear saphire class but the front one is thicker.

I am not saying it is impossible to do it, after all the RO and the Nautilus/Aquanaut are water resistant. However, I don't recommend it as per my previous post.

Why? It is a matter of risk vs benefits. Why take the risk of wearing a RO or a PP into the pool when another watch which is cheaper and easier to replace can do the same job? My Tag Heuer F1 has 200m WR and can easily be replaced if things go wrong and it won't hurt my wallet. But if anything happens to the RO/PP I might not be able to replace it or have to spend a sum of money to repair it. I don't see any benefit of wearing a RO or Nautilus/Aquanaut into the pool but I am keen to learn if someone can justify them.

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I am not saying it is impossible to do it, after all the RO and the Nautilus/Aquanaut are water resistant. However, I don't recommend it as per my previous post.

Why? It is a matter of risk vs benefits. Why take the risk of wearing a RO or a PP into the pool when another watch which is cheaper and easier to replace can do the same job? My Tag Heuer F1 has 200m WR and can easily be replaced if things go wrong and it won't hurt my wallet. But if anything happens to the RO/PP I might not be able to replace it or have to spend a sum of money to repair it. I don't see any benefit of wearing a RO or Nautilus/Aquanaut into the pool but I am keen to learn if someone can justify them.

Not trying to "justify" but I've done sports and swimming with Aquanaut, Nautilus and RO many times with only cosmetic effect. Life is full of risks - I just figure my watches can take it if I can. If not, off to service it goes.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Not trying to "justify" but I've done sports and swimming with Aquanaut, Nautilus and RO many times with only cosmetic effect. Life is full of risks - I just figure my watches can take it if I can. If not, off to service it goes.

I'm genuinely happy for you. It just shows how diverse the watch sphere is and everybody has different mindset. As long as everyone enjoy their watches and not buy it for the sake of flipping, that's the beauty of watch collecting.

[VogelPhoenix]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Not trying to "justify" but I've done sports and swimming with Aquanaut, Nautilus and RO many times with only cosmetic effect. Life is full of risks - I just figure my watches can take it if I can. If not, off to service it goes.

Hoping to reach that state of Zen one day

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I am not saying it is impossible to do it, after all the RO and the Nautilus/Aquanaut are water resistant. However, I don't recommend it as per my previous post.

Why? It is a matter of risk vs benefits. Why take the risk of wearing a RO or a PP into the pool when another watch which is cheaper and easier to replace can do the same job? My Tag Heuer F1 has 200m WR and can easily be replaced if things go wrong and it won't hurt my wallet. But if anything happens to the RO/PP I might not be able to replace it or have to spend a sum of money to repair it. I don't see any benefit of wearing a RO or Nautilus/Aquanaut into the pool but I am keen to learn if someone can justify them.

Don’t see the risk, everything can be repaired. I have the same mindset with my cars, i drive my Porsche as much as i possibly can AND drive it the way it’s intended to be driven. From a financial perspective I don’t see the sense in buying a Tag Heuer to use instead, use that money to more regular service intervals instead and wear what you love as much as possible instead. Maybe it’s my age age anxiety….

[huncho]

15500 is a good amount thicker and will feel heavier so i don't think it'll be as fragile, but are you thinking to add or trade your 15202?

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by huncho

15500 is a good amount thicker and will feel heavier so i don't think it'll be as fragile, but are you thinking to add or trade your 15202?

I’m not sure. If I could find a silver dial 15500 at retail I’d probably add it. I absolutely love the 15202 because it is so elegant and fits my wrist perfectly. I don’t know why I’m having these concerns now.

[AshAP]

Given that you bought the anniversary Jumbo almost as soon as it was released 9 years ago and then you’ve clearly worn it and not sold it I’d say you’re exactly the type of customer that AP is looking for. I’d wear the watch to the boutique, it’ll be a talking point, and ask for the 15500, I’d pitch for blue and they’ll probably offer you silver which will be a home run as it’s the one you want.


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[Starguru]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Given that you bought the anniversary Jumbo almost as soon as it was released 9 years ago and then you’ve clearly worn it and not sold it I’d say you’re exactly the type of customer that AP is looking for. I’d wear the watch to the boutique, it’ll be a talking point, and ask for the 15500, I’d pitch for blue and they’ll probably offer you silver which will be a home run as it’s the one you want.


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It’s not a bad idea, but I didn’t buy from a boutique. Plus to my knowledge there are no boutiques near me.

[sechsgang]

Originally Posted by AshAP

Given that you bought the anniversary Jumbo almost as soon as it was released 9 years ago and then you’ve clearly worn it and not sold it I’d say you’re exactly the type of customer that AP is looking for. I’d wear the watch to the boutique, it’ll be a talking point, and ask for the 15500, I’d pitch for blue and they’ll probably offer you silver which will be a home run as it’s the one you want.


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This

[fsprow]

I had a 15500 and liked it very much. Then I got a 15202 and sold the 15500. On my wrist, 6 3/4 inches, I much prefer the size and thinness of the Jumbo. Also the Jumbo has done everything that I could put it to. Rock climbing, swimming and other sports with zero problems. I have not found this watch to be at all fragile.

[AshAP]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I had a 15500 and liked it very much. Then I got a 15202 and sold the 15500. On my wrist, 6 3/4 inches, I much prefer the size and thinness of the Jumbo. Also the Jumbo has done everything that I could put it to. Rock climbing, swimming and other sports with zero problems. I have not found this watch to be at all fragile.

You’re very brave wearing a 15202 for swimming.


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[fsprow]

Originally Posted by AshAP

You’re very brave wearing a 15202 for swimming.


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My wife would probably choose a different word than brave!

I don't want a watch if I have to worry about whether it is suitable for whatever i'm doing. I'm probably in the minority here.

All the best -- you have some great pieces.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by fsprow

I had a 15500 and liked it very much. Then I got a 15202 and sold the 15500. On my wrist, 6 3/4 inches, I much prefer the size and thinness of the Jumbo. Also the Jumbo has done everything that I could put it to. Rock climbing, swimming and other sports with zero problems. I have not found this watch to be at all fragile.

Rick climbing? What does your bracelet look like? I know what mine looks like with the occasional minor accident. When I was at the Clearwater SC they specifically told me not to go in the pool with it.

[fsprow]

Bracelet has seen better days. As for swimming, taking instructions is not one of my skill areas.

[KBM]

When I bought my blue 15400, both it and the 15202 could be had at discounts from msrp from trusted sellers here in the forum. I tried both on and, in the end, opted for the 15400 exactly because it felt more sturdy and better resembled the ideia of a sports watch in my mind.

The bracelet is more robust, it has a quick set date, screw down crown and the shade of blue was a smidge lighter, all things I preferred, comparing with the jumbo. I assume the 15500 would feel and wear very similarly, although it is a fraction thicker than my 15400.

Since you already have the jumbo with the blue dial, silver is an excellent addition, as it's the color that most accentuates the dial's tapisserie pattern. I like the ideia of visiting a boutique with your jumbo and showing them you're a brand enthusiast looking to add a 15500.

Having said that, your 15202 can truly take all the regular day to day activities you can throw at it. Ap specifically indicates its 50m wr is safe for swimming. Granted, it'll show scratches more than, say, a Rolex with a ceramic bezel, but there is just something about a well loved royal oak that screams *sprezzatura*.

Good luck!


Ps. Since you're considering a 15500, here's a gratuitous wrist shot of my 15400.

[AK797]

Have you tried on a 500, after years with a 202 I think it will feel awfully large on you.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by AK797

Have you tried on a 500, after years with a 202 I think it will feel awfully large on you.

I tried the 15400 years ago when deciding which to buy. It would be at the size limit for me.

[macrowatch]

Probably not a helpful comment, but maybe a ROO just for bathtime is the way to go!

More useful, it sounds like you really just have an itch to add some diversity into the mix after being faithful to the watch for so long. So in all seriousness, I'd consider ROO over 15500 just for more of a visual mix to bring back the freshness to your jumbo.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by macrowatch

Probably not a helpful comment, but maybe a ROO just for bathtime is the way to go!

More useful, it sounds like you really just have an itch to add some diversity into the mix after being faithful to the watch for so long. So in all seriousness, I'd consider ROO over 15500 just for more of a visual mix to bring back the freshness to your jumbo.

I've considered this but the ROO is not my bag. A bit too big for me. I wear my Rolexes for bath time anyway.

[macrowatch]

Originally Posted by Starguru

I've considered this but the ROO is not my bag. A bit too big for me. I wear my Rolexes for bath time anyway.

Touche, touche good sir.

If you haven't tried on the 43 ROO taupe though, highly recommend you do. I was biased against it, thought I was a never ROO (looked at the RG 44 many times and walked away laughing every time at how comically big it felt on my puny wrists) and now have changed my mind.

But if only between your first two choices, seems fine to add, why not? Would think a different color silver/gray/black would all add some nice change of pace for eye candy.

[7sins]

Originally Posted by Starguru

I currently have a 15202 (bought 2012 before all the madness). I always love wearing the watch but find when I don't wear it for a while setting the date is a PITA. Also, I get worried doing things like washing dishes and giving the kids baths with it on.

Would a 15500 feel as fragile as the 15202 does? Both watches have the same water resistance but the 15500 has a screw down crown. Do people wear the 15500 to the pool or in the shower? My 15202 has picked up its share of scratches over the last 9 years and I assume a 15500 would be the same.

Im not sure what I really want to do here but is it worth going for a 15500? I probably couldn't even get one (silver dial) with the current market.

RE 15202 and setting the date, just buy a watch winder.

I've owned the 15400 and 15500 as well as my current jumbos now. 100% the 15400/15500 feel more sturdy as the case isn't as thin. Personally I find the dial on the 15500 too empty and makes the watch wear larger while optically making the bezel look different. Just my .02, would get the 15400 over a 15500. I've used my 15202 almost daily for the last year or so, including hikes and other activities really without any issue. The 15500 will wear much larger than the 15202.

[911AP]

To me both feel delicate. I owned a 15500 and now own a 15202. I far prefer the size of the 15202 and the thinness. The 15202 really is the perfect size.

But the date is annoying as f**k if you haven't worn it in a while. I also do not like the non screw down crown because I constantly push it in when setting the date by accident.

I would never wear a 15202 or a 15500 to do either of the activities you mentioned. Go buy a Rolex sub.

[Toony]

I tried both and went with the 15500. The 15202 is a great watch. Like 911AP said the both are delicate but the 15202 felt a little bit too delicate for me. I like the open space on the 15500 dial. I’m not sure I would switch if I was you.

[Chute]

I went through the 15400 vs 15202 dilemma back in 2016 when both could be found at retail and sometimes at a discount. I went with the black 15400 and still wear it frequently. I preferred the screw down crown and quick set date. At the time, the lack of quickset, screw down crown and seconds hand all put me off and made no sense to pay more money for less features. After several years, the 15400 does wear a bit big and now I wish I had bought the 15202.
My suggestion would be to look for a nice 15300 in white as the size will be similar and you’ll get the screw down crown.
I regularly swim with my 15400 but I wouldn’t if I had a 15202.
But keep the 15202, you’ll regret trading it. I know I regret not buying it at retail when it was $22k.

[Starguru]

Originally Posted by Chute

I went through the 15400 vs 15202 dilemma back in 2016 when both could be found at retail and sometimes at a discount. I went with the black 15400 and still wear it frequently. I preferred the screw down crown and quick set date. At the time, the lack of quickset, screw down crown and seconds hand all put me off and made no sense to pay more money for less features. After several years, the 15400 does wear a bit big and now I wish I had bought the 15202.
My suggestion would be to look for a nice 15300 in white as the size will be similar and you’ll get the screw down crown.
I regularly swim with my 15400 but I wouldn’t if I had a 15202.
But keep the 15202, you’ll regret trading it. I know I regret not buying it at retail when it was $22k.

Def keeping the 15202. I absolutely love this watch. Went thru 13 date switches to get it ready for tonight.

The 15300 white is different from the 15400 silver, and I much prefer the latter.

This thread needs at least one 15202 pic