Advice needed on building a collection

[wei915]

Dear fellow AP collectors,

I am just beginning my journey in building a small collection and have been having some difficulties in trying to figure out which direction/collection I should be working towards. Ideally, I would like to keep my collection to 2 (or maybe 3) watches - one/two dress watch (for daily office wear) and one for weekend activities.

I would like to seek your kind advice with the following possible collections that I have been thinking about. Of the given collections below, which would be the most ideal? (Unfortunately, I can't seem to be able to create a poll yet, so please bear with me for an inconvenience in responding to my post).

Collection 1 RO 15400 White/Silver dial + RO 15400 Blue dial
Collection 2 RO 15400 White/Silver dial + RO 15500 Blue dial
Collection 3 RO 15400 White/Silver dial + RO 15202
Collection 4 RO 15400 Blue dial + Daytona 116500LN White dial

For your information, I currently own a RO 15400 White/Silver. I bought this piece as my first AP because of its availability/price point and I really like the how the silver/white tapisserie dial pops under sunlight. I am in a suit most of the time at work and the RO 15400 White/Silver has been working really well as my only daily dress watch.

Recently, I had the chance to try on a RO 15400 Blue and its sporty look has been growing tremendously on me - especially the way the blue dial gives contrast to the elegant, long and thin WG hour markers. Not to mention the sunburst effect of the blue dial creates a lot of depth and is also mesmerizing. I also feel that the RO 15400 Blue can double as a daily dress watch for office wear too. I love both the White/Silver and Blue 15400s equally and have been contemplating on adding a RO 15400 Blue to my collection.

Nonetheless, owning two 15400s may seem a little redundant and perhaps getting a RO 15202 or RO 15500 Blue would be a wiser choice since it will not only give my collection more color but also diversity?

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to try on the RO 15202 yet. So I can't tell how it feels on my wrist and can't confirm if I like the blue dial on the RO 15202. The RO 15202 is on my radar for its hand-finished 2121 movement, relatively large open case-back, 39mm size and heritage factors. However, the lack of a seconds hand on the RO 15202 is somewhat disappointing as I have a preference to see the seconds hand in action.

As for the RO 15500 Blue, I enjoy looking at the new 4302 movement on a larger case-back and the RO 15500 Blue also has the blue tapisserie dial that I would like to add to my collection. Unfortunately, the dial layout of the RO 15500 is a miss for me. While it gives the RO 15500 a much sportier/cleaner look, I feel that it has also lost the essence of a RO and seems to look like more of a GP Laureato design.

Finally for Collection 4, I have thought about letting go my RO 15400 White/Silver in favor of the RO 15400 Blue given the similarities between the two. Subsequently, I could also add a Daytona 116500LN White to give my collection a little more variety - an AP three-hander (dress/sports watch) and a Rolex chronograph (sports/tool watch). On the other hand, I feel that I may regret letting go the special White/Silver tapisserie dial that is no longer carried over to the RO 15500 line. Furthermore, the White/Silver tapisserie dial was what got me interested in AP in the first place.

Thank you all for reading my lengthy and somewhat confusing post. Looking forward to some insights!

[wiswrist]

Personally I like "Collection 4" the best.

If you don't want to sell your sliver 15400 you could always keep it and add a 116500LN with a black dial. That would also be a nice 2 watch combination.

Good luck!

[AshAP]

I agree, option 4 as it has variety although I think Daytona’s only look good on guys with slim wrists, imo it’s become too popular with women to be a serious contender as a mans watch.


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[kaiserphoenix]

Can i say something that’s not in the option? why not add a rose gold 15500 on leather OR a chronograph model royal oak to add diversity? if you have the white as hell dress u might as well get a blue chronograph for the sportiness factor?

[wei915]

Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix

Can i say something that’s not in the option? why not add a rose gold 15500 on leather OR a chronograph model royal oak to add diversity? if you have the white as hell dress u might as well get a blue chronograph for the sportiness factor?

I have never considered any PM pieces yet and I don't think I would enjoy wearing leather/rubber straps as compared to steel bracelets. The ROC certainly has the blue dial (for color) and sportiness factor; however, the presence of the sub dials kinda occupy most of the tapisserie pattern of the AP's blue dial. Moreover, the 40hr power reserve in the ROC means that I can't run the chronograph function all day as compared to the 70hr power reserve in the Daytona.

After penning down my thoughts, I think I'm currently leaning towards getting either (1) a RO 15202 (different size and thickness variation, blue dial color addition, and nicer display case back) or (2) a second 15400 in blue dial (simply for the sunburst blue effect, dial layout and running seconds hand). Not sure if (2) is a going to be wise choice or not - a little concerned that I may get bored of wearing the same type of watch some time later on.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by rac10000

Personally I like "Collection 4" the best.

If you don't want to sell your sliver 15400 you could always keep it and add a 116500LN with a black dial. That would also be a nice 2 watch combination.

Good luck!

4 for me too, 15202 and D500 is where you may end up... if you are lucky.

[macrowatch]

Collection #4 for me. Or really any RO + Daytona combination, so e.g. could be your existing white dial RO plus black SS daytona or 116519LN WG OF.

[mcnealstash]

#4

[Peterandwatches]

Have the silver 400 myself, and added other brands around it. Not sure I would go with any of these options.

[thekman]

To be honest I feel that all combinations of 15400, 500 and 202 are all overkill. I was only able to order the black 15500ST as I am a new AP client (which I love to death), however, if I get the chance to obtain a blue 15500 or a 15202 I will definitely sell the black one. I would consider a 15xxx model and a diver or other ROO to be a better non-redundant collections. Or obviously perpetuals and openworked if I ever become a VIP client

Then again some people collect tens of examples of the same watch just for minor differences in font and dial layout..

[wei915]

I am aware that there are some redundancies in owning ROs, even though the model reference or colour may be different. It’s just that sometimes I feel that I’m missing out wearing AP’s iconic blue dial RO. Then again, I think I’ll also miss the white/silver dial RO if I had only owned the blue dial.. lol

After much thought, I think I would like to work towards getting a 15202 to add colour and size variation to my collection. Otherwise, perhaps I could also consider the Daytona 116509 WG in blue dial since it fits my criteria of adding a different complication (chronograph), blue dial, different brand (Rolex) as well... hmm...


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[bund]

You should try on the 15202 first. It wears different from the 15400.
I would go 116509 or 116519 and keep your silver 15400.



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[Alan111]

I never understood people who buy the exact same watch with different color dials.

[trfChris]

Originally Posted by wei915

Moreover, the 40hr power reserve in the ROC means that I can't run the chronograph function all day as compared to the 70hr power reserve in the Daytona.

You can for sure let the chronograph run all day on the ROC. The chrono function only lowers the power reserve by an hour or two, so not noticeable.

[KKO]

No matter what people say here, the only factor that matters is how it feels on your wrist.

My 15202 wears very different than the 15400/15500 more than the dial size may indicate. Not the best shot but one I had on my phone of my Jumbo next to my buddies 15400.

Relative to the 15400, the 15202 will

- have less taper from case to bracelet
- proportionally thicker bezel
- much thinner bracelet (think dress watch vs sports watch)
- antiquated but higher finished movement
- no seconds hand
- matte dial with petite tapisserie dial vs brighter and shinier grande tapisserie




3) If I were in your shoes, getting another time and date RO would probably be too redundant. ROC, Overseas, or Daytona would compliment your RO nicely. But then again, if you are determined to get a blue dial RO, you can always sell your existing watch and get the panda dial ROC to sit next to your blue RO

[wei915]

Just managed to find a 15202 to try on at a grey dealer whom is selling for almost SGD 60k.

The watch’s aesthetics is really nice, especially the deep blue petite tapisserie and balanced dial layout. However, the bracelet and case felt really delicate and perhaps even dainty on my 6.7” wrist that somehow, I couldn’t feel the weight or presence of a SGD 60k watch on my wrist.. lol

I think I am already used to the size and weight of the 41mm models so perhaps the Jumbo is not for me..

After seeing the wrist shot taken by a fellow TRF and AP owner, I’m also sold on the ROC 26315!




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[wei915]

Originally Posted by KKO

3) If I were in your shoes, getting another time and date RO would probably be too redundant. ROC, Overseas, or Daytona would compliment your RO nicely. But then again, if you are determined to get a blue dial RO, you can always sell your existing watch and get the panda dial ROC to sit next to your blue RO

I do agree that there’s redundancy in owning two similar three-hand ROs. In fact, I have been going back and forth all day about selling my white RO in favour of the blue RO. Not only will I have to put in significantly more cash (in this current market) for the trade to work, but I will also have to forgo the discontinued, simple and pure white 15400 RO. If I’m dead set on owning a plain blue RO, there’s always the 15500 and Jumbo to go after. The blue dial RO is never going away, but the white dial RO is gone, at least in the near future - 26315 ROC panda not included.

After ruling out the Jumbo, I guess my final answer for a 3-watch collection would be to keep the discontinued white 15400 RO. Add the new 15500 blue RO (blue dial, new movement) and also the White Daytona C (chronograph and scratch resistant bezel).





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[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by wei915

Just managed to find a 15202 to try on at a grey dealer whom is selling for almost SGD 60k.

The watch’s aesthetics is really nice, especially the deep blue petite tapisserie and balanced dial layout. However, the bracelet and case felt really delicate and perhaps even dainty on my 6.7” wrist that somehow, I couldn’t feel the weight or presence of a SGD 60k watch on my wrist.. lol

I think I am already used to the size and weight of the 41mm models so perhaps the Jumbo is not for me..

After seeing the wrist shot taken by a fellow TRF and AP owner, I’m also sold on the ROC 26315!

Attachment 1091729


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I didn't want to respond as I felt you're already determined on adding another RO. As others stated I think it would be an overkill having 2 in your collection and the only difference is dial color. I think you're heading into the right direction now looking into different complication, ie 26315. Also 116500 is great ref if and only IF on retail, it's a 12k watch not 25k watch IMHO.

Other refs to consider, PP aquanaut & nautilus or VC overseas.

Good luck

[mojomomo]

I don't think it's redundant to own 2 dial colours of the same watch variant. You can be a vertical collector or a horizontal collector, broad or focused.

In these forums you'll see many people owning both black and white Daytonas, Datejusts with different dials, Sub and Hulk, Batman and Pepsi, white and blue 5711s, different dials in 5970s or 5070 or 5170... You get the gist.

And yes, I also like to buy the same shirt in different colours

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[Collector2019]

Originally Posted by mojomomo

I don't think it's redundant to own 2 dial colours of the same watch variant. You can be a vertical collector or a horizontal collector, broad or focused.

In these forums you'll see many people owning both black and white Daytonas, Datejusts with different dials, Sub and Hulk, Batman and Pepsi, white and blue 5711s, different dials in 5970s or 5070 or 5170... You get the gist.

And yes, I also like to buy the same shirt in different colours

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That’s true only if you have +10 collection not only 2 of the same reference and the only difference is dial color.


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[Chary]

I would say collection #4!

[mojomomo]

Originally Posted by Collector2019

That’s true only if you have +10 collection not only 2 of the same reference and the only difference is dial color.


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Absolutely true, you're right. If it's just 2 watches in the collection, then get 2 different models.

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[Token74]

1 or 4

If you go for 2 or 3 then it’s just a matter of time before you flip one of them. You will naturally prefer the size of one of them and the other will end up being sat, unloved.

Option 1
I like symmetry and within my collection I have a 15450 Silver and a 15450 Blue. My wife wears the silver a lot but I enjoy having the two different colour options. They wear very differently, the silver being quite smart and the blue being much more casual.

Option 4
This is in many ways a better choice. Gives you something different, and the Daytona can be bashed around more than the Oak. And, every collection should have a Daytona.

So...from a collection point of view, you should go Option 4.

I’d go Option 1 though I think!



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[wei915]

Just an update. Sold my AP 15400 silver today. It was a very very painful decision and my heart still hurts like it was a breakup... (“it’s not you, it’s me” reasoning lol) and getting ready to make way for a blue dial AP. Still kinda undecided between the 15400 blue or 15500 blue.

15400 blue
- Pros: Elegant and classic dial layout
- Cons: 3120 movement in the 41mm case looks small. At AP’s price point, I would expect to see a more balanced display case back to movement ratio. Even though I love how smart the 15400 silver looks on the dial side, I sold it based on the reason that I don’t think the movement matches the case size. Furthermore, I can only get it pre-owned at about the same asking price as the 15500 blue on the grey market. Moreover, the standard 5-yr warranties are also expiring soon and due for servicing.

15500 blue
- Pros: 4302 movement’s size and specs are much better than 3120 movement. Mostly can be purchased from grey dealers brand new, full stickers, full 5-yr warranty.
- Cons: Dial configuration slightly less desirable (personally prefer a more elegant and balanced looking dial like the Jumbo or 15400)

Which would be a better choice?




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[kaiserphoenix]

Both solid choices. I went 15500 just because i much prefer the new movement but also the dial layout grows on u and now i prefer this newer layout with the shorter but fatter indices.

[grievor]

ah damn should have kept the silver 15400 and added in a blue 15202 or 26331. They dont make white dials like that anymore in that size.

[wei915]

Took the plunge and sold my AP 15400st silver and bought the AP 15500st blue a few days earlier. While I certainly enjoy looking at the famous AP blue dial and the large display case back of the 4302 movement, I’m starting to miss the face of the silver dial...






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[macrowatch]

Enjoy the blue trend! Always hard to part with favorite watches of the past, but the only direction to go is forward!

FWIW, the blue looks stunning, and much better than the silver in the two new photos.

And maybe add a silver or white dial in chrono function.

[lllouisv1126]

Originally Posted by wei915

Took the plunge and sold my AP 15400st silver and bought the AP 15500st blue a few days earlier. While I certainly enjoy looking at the famous AP blue dial and the large display case back of the 4302 movement, I’m starting to miss the face of the silver dial...


Attachment 1094820Attachment 1094821



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Pics or it didn’t happen :p
Your own pics I mean

[wei915]

No pics.. My 15400 silver is sitting in the display of the dealer whom I sold to right now

Contemplating on buying it back if it’s not sold in a few months time and if I have enough funds by then...


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