Advice seek for 15300 vs 15400 (white/black dials)

[otoro]

Hi I'm new member to the forum. My apology in advance if this question/topic has already been covered (although I did search past threads for this).

I'm currently on serious search for secondhand 15300 or 15400. 15202 is on my peripheral radar but that would bust my budget and result in several weeks instant noodles as opposed to regular meal.

Been doing some research on this the the biggest red flag I noticed are movement reliability and fragile nature of the aforementioned AP models (in comparison to my current Rolex BLNR).

Please allow me to break down my question by the number:

1. Dial color. The blue/grey dial is obviously the most popular AP dial colour and retain best resale value (often times 15-20% higher value than the other two colours). After that which one come next...white or black?

2. Size. Strangely enough I never measure my wrist size. I can comfortably pull off my 40mm Rolex BLNR and even my previous 42mm Rolex Explorer II. Would 39mm or 41mm fit me better? For that matter, which one do you prefer?

3. Demand. Which one is easier to resell on secondhand market (15300 or 15400) while retaining best value?

The two potential purchase in front of me:

15300 white dial. 2010. Never polished nor service. Since it's at that 5 years milestones, I will likely need to bring it in soon? From what I'd read, the servicing would cost around $1k USD? The asking price is $11,000 USD with box/paper.

15400 white dial. 2012. Never polished nor service. A year warranty left? $13,000 USD with box/paper.

Thanks in advance for any advice and glad to finally join this forum after years and years of lurking.

[samuelhuntington]

1. Your right that blue is the most sought after, between white and black I think it's a toss up. I do see more white dials for sale and have wondered myself if more of them were made vs. black? I'm not sure

2. Tough call on size without trying them on. I for one prefer the size and proportions of the classic 39mm royal oaks. To me the 41mm just feels a little off. I think you could pull off both just fine, it comes down to preference.

3. Since they are not making any more of them I would say the 15300 is easier to sell on the market.

Also there is a difference in the white dial color between the 300 and 400, there are many threads on here discussing this. Look in to that before you make purchase. Good luck!

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by samuelhuntington

1. Your right that blue is the most sought after, between white and black I think it's a toss up. I do see more white dials for sale and have wondered myself if more of them were made vs. black? I'm not sure

2. Tough call on size without trying them on. I for one prefer the size and proportions of the classic 39mm royal oaks. To me the 41mm just feels a little off. I think you could pull off both just fine, it comes down to preference.

3. Since they are not making any more of them I would say the 15300 is easier to sell on the market.

Also there is a difference in the white dial color between the 300 and 400, there are many threads on here discussing this. Look in to that before you make purchase. Good luck!

This is spot on 👍


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[Thunderbird88]

My vote is for a blue 15300.
The 15300 has a great size and looks far better than the 15400.

But between white and black, definetly white. I used to have a white 15300, great dial! And great watch aswell ofcourse.

[GB-man]

I would also recomment blue or white 15300.

[RHIII]

If I were choosing - it would be a Blue 15300

I am a fan of the classic 39mm references


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[Speed]

Blue 39mm 15300 - if you can find one with a known service history / and preferably all the bits.

The dial is subtle / changes with lighting.

However, if you like white - get it.

[s14roller]

Blue for sure. As for size, depends on your wrist and preference. I like the 15400 dial layout more and prefer the larger size.

[B. Doggy]

Blue and white are pretty awesome..

[Niklas STHLM]

I had both and sold the 15400.
To me the 15400 just feel too big and the proportions did not look right compared to the original design.
So my wote would go to the 15300, it will be a classic and an unpolished one will hold its value well. IMHO of course.

[otoro]

Hi All.

Thanks for all the interesting input so far. Blue 15300 is nearly impossible to find in the secondhand market...and certainly not in my budget range. I made a call to the seller and will likely fly in to see the watch in person next week (yep, that's how I roll...sounds good but the cross country flight will only cost me $200 USD round trip ;).

Tongue-in-cheek statement aside, the warranty is dated 2010. It's a G series. According the owner who's a collector, it's not worn often. Some of my check list would be to play with calendar setting because in certain model, that's where certain 3121 movement prone to not work.

I wonder if it's possible to bring in to local AD for verification (similar to how you can do this with a Rolex) for small fee.

TBC...

[samuelhuntington]

Originally Posted by otoro

Hi All.

Thanks for all the interesting input so far. Blue 15300 is nearly impossible to find in the secondhand market...and certainly not in my budget range. I made a call to the seller and will likely fly in to see the watch in person next week (yep, that's how I roll...sounds good but the cross country flight will only cost me $200 USD round trip ;).

Tongue-in-cheek statement aside, the warranty is dated 2010. It's a G series. According the owner who's a collector, it's not worn often. Some of my check list would be to play with calendar setting because in certain model, that's where certain 3121 movement prone to not work.

I wonder if it's possible to bring in to local AD for verification (similar to how you can do this with a Rolex) for small fee.

TBC...

Post pics of watch here, especially closeup of movement and dial. Folks here can tell you if watch is ok if there is no ad close. Good luck!

[Solicitor]

For me the blue trumps them all and from there, color is a matter of preference.

I personally prefer the 15300, the proportions are just perfect and as conceived by the original designer.

If you're having a hard time looking for a 15300 in blue, take it as a sign for you to just save up for the Jumbo :)

[Peterandwatches]

I prefer the 15300 over the 15400, but nobody has chimed in on your service question, which I am also curious about. Is 11k a fair price for an AP that needs service soon?

For me, I think I might lean toward the 15400. What do others think?

[s14roller]

Originally Posted by Peterandwatches

I prefer the 15300 over the 15400, but nobody has chimed in on your service question, which I am also curious about. Is 11k a fair price for an AP that needs service soon?

For me, I think I might lean toward the 15400. What do others think?

It's just preference...I had on a 15300 for a day and then decided I liked the smaller "AP" logo on the 15400 as it looked cleaner. I also prefer ROOs and 41mm is basically the perfect size for me, so a 15400 was a no brainer.

[Peterandwatches]

Yeah, I agree. The 15300 and 15400 are both great.

I'm just wondering if this forum would avoid the 15300 presented, because of the potential hidden costs of servicing, whereas the 15400 costs more upfront, but there's less risk. For this reason alone, I'm learning 15400, although I prefer the 39mm size.

[Foxman2k]

I bought the white 15400 and love it!

[AK797]

White dial of the 400 is more silvery but I prefer the size and proportions of the 300.

[kilyung]

Frosty!

[kilyung]

However I'd eat Ramen for months and get the 15202.

[samuelhuntington]

Originally Posted by Peterandwatches

Yeah, I agree. The 15300 and 15400 are both great.

I'm just wondering if this forum would avoid the 15300 presented, because of the potential hidden costs of servicing, whereas the 15400 costs more upfront, but there's less risk. For this reason alone, I'm learning 15400, although I prefer the 39mm size.

If you prefer the 300 get it. The service cost of 1k +or- will be long forgotten.... Get the one you like best, the 400 will also need a service someday

[Speed]

Originally Posted by samuelhuntington

If you prefer the 300 get it. The service cost of 1k +or- will be long forgotten.... Get the one you like best, the 400 will also need a service someday

This! ^^^^

[sirish19]

Originally Posted by kilyung

However I'd eat Ramen for months and get the 15202.

Totally agreed. I'd cinch up the belt and go for ramen for months as well if you can swing the Jumbo. I was debating between the 300, 400 and Jumbo for weeks and bit the bullet to go for the Jumbo. That's the one that is going to hold its value the most of the lot. Plus, I think the blue dial of the Jumbo absolutely flawless.

If you can't swing that, I'd go with the silver over the black in either 300 or 400. The silver dial is also very nice. I have a 6.5" wrist and I thought the 400 was fine even compared with the 15202.

But if you go with the Jumbo, you won't have any regrets. The 300 or 400 will still leave you wanting for the iconic Jumbo. It could end up costing you dearly in the end.

[Peterandwatches]

Originally Posted by sirish19

Totally agreed. I'd cinch up the belt and go for ramen for months as well if you can swing the Jumbo. I was debating between the 300, 400 and Jumbo for weeks and bit the bullet to go for the Jumbo. That's the one that is going to hold its value the most of the lot. Plus, I think the blue dial of the Jumbo absolutely flawless.

If you can't swing that, I'd go with the silver over the black in either 300 or 400. The silver dial is also very nice. I have a 6.5" wrist and I thought the 400 was fine even compared with the 15202.

But if you go with the Jumbo, you won't have any regrets. The 300 or 400 will still leave you wanting for the iconic Jumbo. It could end up costing you dearly in the end.

Listen to Stephen. His collection is a confirmed 11/10!

[Lordofrolex]

Im pretty much on the same dilemma. I dont know if i should get a 15300 or 15400. Ive never tried on the 15300 so its hard to tell. I would love the 15202 but at that price range would rather get gold sub.

[sirish19]

Originally Posted by Peterandwatches

Listen to Stephen. His collection is a confirmed 11/10!

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by kilyung

However I'd eat Ramen for months and get the 15202.

THIS!

[AK797]

Originally Posted by kilyung

However I'd eat Ramen for months and get the 15202.

Mike, that looks awfully gold in that pic... just saying...