15202 ST vs 15400 OR

[tng11]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I am stuck in a enviable dilemma - I was offered the opportunity to buy a 15202 ST brand new from an AD, which I have been eyeing for years. However, I recently tried on a black dialed 15400OR on strap and also fell in love with it (a 99% second hand one). The 15400OR is a bit cheaper than the 15202 as well given that it's 2nd hand vs. brand new.

My collection consists of a Jarno Trulli ROO, a 26320ST and a Rolex Sub. The JT and Sub are my daily wearers (I alternate days with both), whereas I rarely wear the 26320 as I find it a bit heavy and cumbersome for my 6.75" wrist. The 26320ST will be sold off once I pick either of these two.

I really want to add a PM watch to my collection - but I feel that the 15400OR could be a bit too flashy for my lifestyle. On the other hand, while I like the bracelet of the 15202 very much, it is perhaps a bit too delicate for my lifestyle - and also partially killed my enjoyment of the 26320ST.

Any help would be appreciated!

[tyler1980]

tough call. 15400OR on a strap isn't all that flashy IMO especially compared to one on a full bracelet. 15202 is a classic and i would not say the bracelet on any RO is delicate. Personally i tend to be more careful with the bezels than the bracelet as far as damage/scratches go. The bracelets look just fine even with lots of wear.

Since you seem to want a PM i would go with the 15400.

[cmcm3]

15202 all day long. I hate the proportions of the 15400.

[AK797]

I'd go for the 15202or, it's an incredible piece and I would wear it selectively to preserve its beauty, and as you have other watches you can have the best of both worlds. I had a RG ROC on strap but I'd go with the bracelet now.

[tng11]

The best of both worlds for me would be if the 15202OR was available with a strap! There is simply no way I could pull off a full gold bracelet AP (also, I would rather buy both at that price).

I am leaning more heavily towards the 15400OR right now. ROO and Sub are my casual/daily wearers, while the 15400OR fits in nicely for dressier occasions, but could also work well dressed down (especially with the black dial).

[bobernet]

The bracelet is a key part of what makes a RO, a RO. No straps for me.

[JJ WA]

For me, if the question is '15202ST x any other watch in the current AP collection', the answer with always be: 15202ST.

[HL65]

For me, if the question is '15202OR x any other watch in the current AP collection', the answer will always be: 15202OR.



Also agree there is nothing like the RO bracelet. It is by far the best bracelet on any watch I have ever owned and I've owned a lot of nice watches...Also nothing quite like AP RG!

[tng11]

Originally Posted by HL65

For me, if the question is '15202OR x any other watch in the current AP collection', the answer will always be: 15202OR.



Also agree there is nothing like the RO bracelet. It is by far the best bracelet on any watch I have ever owned and I've owned a lot of nice watches...Also nothing quite like AP RG!

Oh me oh my - that 15202OR looks amazing on you! I had a look at one at the AD - but it simply didn't look right on me (too ostentatious for my line of work and age IMHO).

And I will agree with the general sentiment around here that a very important component of an RO is the bracelet. No doubt about it - it is simply a work of art. However, I don't like the bracelet on the 41mm models, as I find it too thick and rigid on my wrists (and is mostly why my 26320ST gets no wrist time any more.) I've owned the 14790ST and 15300ST before, and the bracelet on those fit much better on my wrist. The only negative about the bracelet for me is that I'm too anal retentive - every single scratch or hairline on the bracelet drives me nuts, and I've found the bracelet on my 26320ST to be a complete scratch magnet no matter how careful I am.

The only thing giving me pause from jumping on the 15202ST is the lack of a PM watch in my collection, or anything suitable for more formal occasions - and the 15400OR seems to fill that void nicely while staying well within my budget (I'd actually be spending a few thousand less on the 15400OR compared to the 15202ST). Between both the 15202ST and 15400OR - they are both watches that I would wear less often than both the ROO and Sub, which I use as true everyday watches (e.g. I run with my Sub on, wear the ROO to the beach and even while doing Crossfit workouts.)

Another consideration is that the price on the 15400OR is simply so attractive that I could easily flip it down the road without taking a loss, while the 15202ST would be at full retail price (which is actually a smidge more expensive in Hong Kong compared to the USA).

I have until the end of the weekend to decide or pass on the 15202ST.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by HL65

For me, if the question is '15202OR x any other watch in the current AP collection', the answer will always be: 15202OR.



Also agree there is nothing like the RO bracelet. It is by far the best bracelet on any watch I have ever owned and I've owned a lot of nice watches...Also nothing quite like AP RG!

Sweet

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Sweet

Thanks!

[KVG]

Wanted to pile on here-- if you don't own an AP with a bracelet yet, you need one in the collection. Its unambiguously the best bracelet I've ever owned.


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[youthagainsttt]

Originally Posted by KVG

Wanted to pile on here-- if you don't own an AP with a bracelet yet, you need one in the collection. Its unambiguously the best bracelet I've ever owned.


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Very much so

Bought my blue 15400 a week ago, the bracelet is incredible in its design.

[KVG]

Originally Posted by youthagainsttt

Very much so



Bought my blue 15400 a week ago, the bracelet is incredible in its design.

When I finally bought my nautilus, I was let down that the bracelet wasn't as amazing as my 15400's.


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[lapince]

In this case 202, but if you can in gold, go for it, tried it a few times, looks stunning

[Superburrito]

Both great choices - it also depends on wrist size.

Regarding bracelet vs strap, I have not seen a bracelet on other brands that beats the RO bracelets. They are just stunning - I rotate my wrist just so I can see the way the light bounces off the bracelet. So a strap is hard for me to imagine. Also, I don't feel like the '202 bracelet is delicate, at least for me.

As far as PM watches, there are so many gold-toned cheap watches out there. Even the cashier at a fast food restaurant has a gold-colored watch w/ bracelet these days. So when I wear my YG RO, no one notices. That being said, I would never wear a gold RO to work since I think it is too flashy for my line of business - management would think I'm getting paid way too much.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by cmcm3

15202 all day long. I hate the proportions of the 15400.

+1

[tng11]

For reference, this is what my trio looks like on my wrist:




image storage server

[Manofsteelpt]

Def the Jumbo.

[mps354]

15202 for me as well.

[mrenvy]

Regardless what you have in your collection, 15202ST.


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[Wesley Crusher]

Go with the 15202. And if you can swing it, the full gold version! I had the chance to try on the gold version at the boutique and it is incredible.

[tng11]

Pulled the trigger on the 15202ST. The smile it brings to my face is simply one that could not be equalled by the 15400OR. The 15400OR just feels like a piece I'll have fun with for a little while and sell off, while the 15202ST is a keeper - one that I can see leaving to the next generation.

Pictures to follow soon. Thanks TRF for steering me to what my heart has been saying all along!

[bobernet]

Great choice, congrats! I didn't want to say it, but after your wrists shots, the 15400 would have been WAY too big for you.

[tng11]

A quick and dirty wrist shot for now (the wrapping is coming off soon):



The fit on this one is simply incredible. The blue dial is simply mesmerizing.

[Cabaiguan]

Originally Posted by tng11

A quick and dirty wrist shot for now (the wrapping is coming off soon):







The fit on this one is simply incredible. The blue dial is simply mesmerizing.

You chose wisely...

[HL65]

Congrats and great choice!

[AK797]

That's a great choice for you now... but mark me in a few years you will be getting the RG so keep saving and working hard!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by AK797

That's a great choice for you now... but mark me in a few years you will be getting the RG so keep saving and working hard!

i second that.

Thats the main reason i keep struggling with the 15202 in SS. I have a 15400 in SS and am trying to convince myself to be patient for the RG.

Of course the 15202 in SS is great as well and not everyone wants a full gold watch anyway

congrats OP.

[Watcheroo]

Congrats on a fantastic watch!


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