14790 to 15450?

[fluffybunny]

Season’s Greetings all!

I’m considering a switch from a 14790 to a 15450 (and yes, my wrists are small at 6.5”). This will require additional cash. Am I mad? The 14790 is elegant and super thin, so fits under any shirt cuff, but I know the 15450 has a little more heft to both the case and bracelet. Please let me know what you think the pros and cons would be?

Many thanks
FB

[J to the Z]

The display case back and updated clasp are definitely nice to haves with the 15450, but personally I didn’t like the proportions of the 15450 (it felt way too thick for a smaller dial watch). The proportions of the 14790 are much better in my opinion and it feels more true to the classic royal oak roots with how thin it is. I came really close to pulling the trigger on a 14790 but I really wanted something a tiny bit bigger, while still staying thin and with the display case back and updated clasp so I ended up pulling the trigger on a 15300 since it checks all those boxes. I also have a 6.5” wrist so I’d recommend giving the 15300 some consideration too.


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[fluffybunny]

[QUOTE=J to the Z;10227828]The display case back and updated clasp are definitely nice to haves with the 15450, but personally I didn’t like the proportions of the 15450 (it felt way too thick for a smaller dial watch). The proportions of the 14790 are much better in my opinion and it feels more true to the classic royal oak roots with how thin it is. I came really close to pulling the trigger on a 14790 but I really wanted something a tiny bit bigger, while still staying thin and with the display case back and updated clasp so I ended up pulling the trigger on a 15300 since it checks all those boxes. I also have a 6.5” wrist so I’d recommend giving the 15300 some consideration too.

Thanks. I haven't really looked at the 15300 but will do so. It's funny, I tried the 15450 on in Geneva a couple of years ago and it was the slightly chunkier case I appreciated. In practice, I think I'd wear it differently to the 14790, which excels in the very hot months here when I don't want to wear a leather band with work clothes. I could see the 15450 being worn more often - a similar size to my Daytona but with a date.

[J to the Z]

[QUOTE=fluffybunny;10227983]

Originally Posted by J to the Z

The display case back and updated clasp are definitely nice to haves with the 15450, but personally I didn’t like the proportions of the 15450 (it felt way too thick for a smaller dial watch). The proportions of the 14790 are much better in my opinion and it feels more true to the classic royal oak roots with how thin it is. I came really close to pulling the trigger on a 14790 but I really wanted something a tiny bit bigger, while still staying thin and with the display case back and updated clasp so I ended up pulling the trigger on a 15300 since it checks all those boxes. I also have a 6.5” wrist so I’d recommend giving the 15300 some consideration too.



Thanks. I haven't really looked at the 15300 but will do so. It's funny, I tried the 15450 on in Geneva a couple of years ago and it was the slightly chunkier case I appreciated. In practice, I think I'd wear it differently to the 14790, which excels in the very hot months here when I don't want to wear a leather band with work clothes. I could see the 15450 being worn more often - a similar size to my Daytona but with a date.

Happy to help! If you don’t mind the extra thickness of the 15450 then I could definitely see it as a nice step up from the 14790 as you’re getting the newer movement, display case back, and updated clasp. The 15450 isn’t even that thick in the grand scheme of things so it’ll probably fit under most shirt cuffs anyway.


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[son5]

Both watches are awesome but for a daily wear, I would prefer the 15450.

[theflywrist]

For me it would depend on the 14790 in question.
Is it a crisp early variant with long indices? If so, I would never make that switch.
I generally love the proportions of the 14790 much more than the 15450, however having said this, I am not fond of the later 14790 dials with the shorter indices.
In terms of wearability, I think you can pull off both quite easily.
Bare in mind the 15450 wears significantly different than the 14790, even though it is only 1 mm larger.
The overall build is much larger and less refined. Thicker bezel, thicker bracelet, etc.

[AK797]

I would not, the proportions are better on yours.

[fluffybunny]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

For me it would depend on the 14790 in question.
Is it a crisp early variant with long indices? If so, I would never make that switch.
I generally love the proportions of the 14790 much more than the 15450, however having said this, I am not fond of the later 14790 dials with the shorter indices.
In terms of wearability, I think you can pull off both quite easily.
Bare in mind the 15450 wears significantly different than the 14790, even though it is only 1 mm larger.
The overall build is much larger and less refined. Thicker bezel, thicker bracelet, etc.

This one is certainly slim (makes the 5711 I once had feel a bit of a heifer in comparison, which of course it’s not!). I don’t find the proportions of the 15450 too chubby - certainly I prefer this than the over-large 15400.



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[Muxi]

I like the 15450. I don’t find the case too thick at all.

[fluffybunny]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Much appreciated!

[easterbunny]

agree that the 15450 doesn't seem too thick for me. I like that it looks a little rugged but still nice and understated when I want to dress it up.

[Lo0o0o0n]

Why doesn't anyone talk about the 15450 dials whenever comparisons discussions come up? Compared to older versions (14790 or 15300) the dials on the 15450s just have so much more depth and makes it look just that little bit more modern and well-finished.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by fluffybunny

This one is certainly slim (makes the 5711 I once had feel a bit of a heifer in comparison, which of course it’s not!). I don’t find the proportions of the 15450 too chubby - certainly I prefer this than the over-large 15400.







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It is a personal preference I suppose. Try them out side by side and it will help make up your mind. If you find that the 15450 is more your style, then by all means!

Originally Posted by Lo0o0o0n

Why doesn't anyone talk about the 15450 dials whenever comparisons discussions come up? Compared to older versions (14790 or 15300) the dials on the 15450s just have so much more depth and makes it look just that little bit more modern and well-finished.

Agree that the 15450 is much more modern, but I'm not so sure about "well finished".

The older proportions and more refined bevels and case edges are much more beautiful IMO. Again, as with all watches, it is a personal preference.

The 14790 shares so many attributes with the original 5402. It is a different kind of watch in the flesh compared to the 15450, and there is really no wrong answer to OP's question.

I know guys that have sold their vintage 5513s to acquire modern 114060s. Whatever makes one happy is the way to go!

My 14790 is one of my favorite watches

[Token74]

Personally a big fan of the 15450






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[fluffybunny]

[QUOTE=Token74;10230671]Personally a big fan of the 15450




Beautiful!

[AlexWazo]

15450 is great, but if I had a 14790 already I wouldn’t do the trade personally. Love the refined proportions, makes it feel much closer to the original design

[Drixonite]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

My 14790 is one of my favorite watches

Such a gorgeous example. Love the long-index sans serif font; even patina and you don't have uneven dial burning.

Hunting for a good example of a 14790 still.

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by Drixonite

Such a gorgeous example. Love the long-index sans serif font; even patina and you don't have uneven dial burning.



Hunting for a good example of a 14790 still.

Thank you!
Took me a long long time to find honestly.
Around 2 years. This is primarily because I’m very picky. I did however only want an early variant with straight AP text as well..


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[fluffybunny]

[QUOTE=fluffybunny;10231274]

Originally Posted by Token74

Personally a big fan of the 15450









Beautiful!

Which colour do you prefer?


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[Drixonite]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Thank you!
Took me a long long time to find honestly.
Around 2 years. This is primarily because I’m very picky. I did however only want an early variant with straight AP text as well..

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I think when spending that much on a watch, it's worth waiting for the exact one that you want. I've tried on the 15202 and 15450 but neither fit as well as the 14790, so I'll be patient too - the chase is 99% of the fun anyway. Love the older 36mm day-dates/owls as well.

[tonupbklyn]

i adore them both, but in the end let go of the 450BA and kept the 4100 (1mm smaller than 14790) in TT.
the thinness of the 4100 is simply sublime.

[Token74]

[QUOTE=fluffybunny;10236045]

Originally Posted by fluffybunny

Which colour do you prefer?


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I prefer the blue dial for every day use. The silver dial is more dressy.


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[jforjohn]

You can't go wrong with either watch. I prefer the blue dial on the 15450 over the matte dial of the 14790. The 14790 has a slim profile and sits much lower on the wrist giving it a very elegant look. If I was not offered the 15450 at retail, I would definitely keep the 14790.

[ck1109]

I switched from a 14790 to a 15450 and never looked back. For my 6" wrists, the 15450 fits more snug (snugly?) and is way more comfortable for daily wear than the 14790 was. The 14790 never felt comfortable on the wrist for some reason. It was hard to part with it though, since it took me a long time to find the right dial and the right condition.

My old 14790ST



My new 15450SR (excuse the hairy wrist ;) )

[jforjohn]

Originally Posted by ck1109

I switched from a 14790 to a 15450 and never looked back. For my 6" wrists, the 15450 fits more snug (snugly?) and is way more comfortable for daily wear than the 14790 was. The 14790 never felt comfortable on the wrist for some reason. It was hard to part with it though, since it took me a long time to find the right dial and the right condition.

My old 14790ST



My new 15450SR (excuse the hairy wrist ;) )

Wow beautiful pieces
I had the same problem, some days the 14790 would be uncomfortable. I think it is because of the extra permanent links on the bracelet; causing the clasp to sit awkwardly more to the 12' o clock side. I'm considering letting my 14790 go, as I now have the 15450 in the collection and can't justify keeping both.

[Burr]

As others have mentioned and coming from a fellow small wrist, I’m also a fan of the proportions of the 14790. Unlike what others said, I am a fan of the later dial variant with shorter indicies. Gives it a nice modern feel along with the vintage charm of the better proportioned case.

With all that said, you can’t go wrong with either and there must be something irking you about your 14790 that’s making you consider the 15450 — in my experience, it’s good to listen to wherever this little irk is coming from

[Jsol]

Originally Posted by jforjohn

Wow beautiful pieces
I had the same problem, some days the 14790 would be uncomfortable. I think it is because of the extra permanent links on the bracelet; causing the clasp to sit awkwardly more to the 12' o clock side. I'm considering letting my 14790 go, as I now have the 15450 in the collection and can't justify keeping both.

Let me know if you do let it go! Love that reference. I have a 15450 blue dial and would be cool to get the older one.


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[Muxi]

Originally Posted by Muxi

I like the 15450. I don’t find the case too thick at all.

Me too.

[shizhongchengjie]

I think that depends on time marks, if you like a sharper time marks, take 15450. I prefer small time marks, so I bought a elegant 15189 just like 14790

[Jsol]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

Thank you!
Took me a long long time to find honestly.
Around 2 years. This is primarily because I’m very picky. I did however only want an early variant with straight AP text as well..


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Well I’d buy it from you in a heartbeat! Hunting one now.


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