AP Royal Oak 15400 vs 15500 - So close yet so far | Hafiz J Mehmood

[@THEBUDDIES_RBLX]

I just subscribed to your channel, Hafiz, after watching this video (1st time I've ever subscribed to anything!). Your perceptive comments and cinematography are exceptional. I bought my 1st AP earlier this year - ROC pink gold with chocolate dial/strap and came across your channel in my research. Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Gordon Park thanks so much for the feedback and especially for subscribing. I’m sure you’d love the content as I have some very interesting watches coming to the channel. I had the ROC as well, thoroughly loved it. Love the way it’s so dressy and then sporty due to sub dials. I also other 41mm RO like yours over 38mm. I might try to grab 38mm to cover in a video too 😃

[@THEBUDDIES_RBLX]

@@HafizJMehmood Agree that ROC is both elegant and sporty. Because it's gold it's a bit special but I love it so much it's almost become my daily. Looking forward to your next video!

[@JUAN-hd6mn]

9 years ago I entered in a AP boutique I just wanted to see watches to see if I could buy one and I was stuck with the 15400 ST and I bought it, I got into debt but it was worth it, to this day I am still in love with that watch.

[@MrVoayer]

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ! Probably the most coveted luxury steel watch ! This pedantic review left no stone unturned and provided startling amount of detail and comparison. To say nothing about mesmerizing visual appeal ! Impressive job ! On all acounts !

[@keekeefries6298]

The 15400 looks better hands down. Those stubby hands on the 500 make it look cheaper. The Automatic logo helps balance the top Audemars Piguet lettering nicely. I do like the better lume on the 500...

[@jurgenkleinitz1532]

Den Preis bitte ! ? Danke im voraus.

[@gromorherb6533]

Agreed

[@LIONTAMER3D]

The hands are much more legible on the 500 lol, every try to check a 15400 in a movie theater?

[@meetseth3]

Nope. 15400 looks outdated, especially with that ugly caseback and cheap 'Automatic' logo. I am so glad AP got rid of that clutter in the updated RO.

[@TheLexiHuang]

15400 hands down. Without the AUTOMATIC at 6’o lock is a deal breaker for me.

[@meetseth3]

The AUTOMATIC looks cheap and outdated. There's a reason why AP got rid of it and they still got rid of it in the new and much better/updated 15510. 15510 is way better than both of these references. Hafiz is biased in his reviews because he personally owns the 15400. Clear as day.

[@samadrid6321]

God I love the 15500 with the date window pushed to the edge and all unnecessary text gone to make way for the expanse of the 3D dial texture.

[@bobchristopher6928]

For my retirement grail watch. It’s the 15202. It doesn’t have a seconds hand or a screw down crown, but the 39mm is perfect. This will be my forever watch.

[@jb6587]

For me 15500 is the clear winner. More masculine, far better movement, way more beautiful in the back, beautiful hands, I owned both, sold the 15400 as the new one is superior at all technical levels. Removal of “Automatic” can be discussed. But as the Tapisserie of the 15500 is better, it made sense to clear the dial. Great video!

[@Gortrules]

The 15400 dial and hands looks far superior.

[@MrSimz07]

Thank you, this has helped me with the decision as to which one of these two to acquire, I've been looking at both and hadn't really understood or seen the differences that you've highlighted in this video.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much for the feedback. It’s such feedback that keeps me going and producing more content :)

[@ontopofitnews]

I think after so many years with various 15400s it will always mentally be THE RO to me, despite some technical improvements on the 500 it just doesn't do it for me like the 15400. It is interesting two years later to see however that the market determines the 500 to be worth an easy $10k more

[@OilBaron]

41mm is intended to be the modern sports interpretation therefore wider indices holding more lume is preferable. likewise, a separate minute chapter vs printing on the dial is a better design. the mvmt & date window placement is superior on the 15500 which is hands down the winner between the two. if you want traditional buy the 15202

[@HafizJMehmood]

DraykeFields I agree. The most traditional really is 15202, and all other points noted are also correct. I guess it’s really the personal preference on the aesthetics. I like the point you’ve made that 41mm is intended to be modern sports Royal Oak as opposed to 39mm which is the traditional one. Thanks again for watching and stay tuned. I have a very speial piece coming to channel next week 😉

[@OilBaron]

Hafiz J Mehmood I look forward to it

[@HafizJMehmood]

DraykeFields pls don’t forget to subscribe to channel to stay notified of updates. Thanks again and pls keep the feedback coming.

[@MTbone7]

Great GREAT comparison Hafiz, and awesome camera work too as always brother!!

[@HafizJMehmood]

M Tbone thanks so much bro. Keep the support coming :)

[@ryanermoody999]

Thanks for a personal and honest comparison between the old and new guard. Your enthusiam for collecting and analysing is a pleasure to see. I’m waiting in line patiently for a grey dial 15500. Oh so patiently!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much for the support and feedback. They’re lovely and I’m sure you’d love yours when you receive it. Grey is just beautiful. All the best.

[@swanhtet1]

How long is the wait list?

[@mrg1911]

This is a VERY, VERY good video.....great detail and camera work. I would buy the 15500ST in grey dial as you have it here.....well done, thank you!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thank you so much for watching and especially the feedback. The grey on 155 is far more beautiful than the rhodium they used to do on 15400. Great choice. Hope you get yours soon.

[@vangeloalmazan4799]

I second that motion. I got the 155 grey and the longer you look at it the happier you are. I’m glad I decided with the grey over the others.

[@vanh9610]

V’Angelo Almazan where did you get it from

[@alexreeve1346]

Wonderful work Hafiz, inspired me to buy the 15500

[@HafizJMehmood]

Beautiful piece. Congrats on great acquisition.

[@Sirjean5]

Thanks for very informative comparison. Made my decision easier on which of the AP Royal Oak's I prefer. For me the 15400 in terms of aesthetics and a few other factors is why I prefer it over the 15500, though it also has it's on benefits in terms of the movement and other updates. Both great watches and a great review.

[@farting505]

Very helpful and informative, thanks for sharing

[@leyay7540]

Between these two, my answer is the 15500 without a doubt. More appropriately sized and higher spec movement and the sportier transformed dial make my decision. However to be honest, my number one choice of the RO is still the 15202.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Each to their own :) As much as I appreciate the sportier looks and symmetrical dial on 155, I just love the traditional looks of 15400. But again, I have two 15400 and I’m willing to sell both to fund one single 15202 😅

[@MrBigblue7]

The 15400 is much better looking. The proportions are just much better. It's a classier-looking watch.

[@jamesray5293]

Many thanks for all your exquisite videos, and especially the way you eloquently bring to life the horological details. One question - the length of the hour and minute hands on the 15400 seem to nicely stop just at the hour/minute markers, whereas the hands on the 15500 seem to fall a bit short. Is there a reason why watch companies don’t make the hands the “right” length?

[@kenz0bux]

are the bracelet between 15400 and 15500 interchangeable? I mean are they same in size?

[@jkt3937]

Very good comparison, informative video, great photography

[@viggomcquaid9155]

Is the bracelet & links the same ?

[@vybhav17]

Hi Hafiz, your comments on 15500 grey dial... According to you, which is your dial of preference

[@DanielChar]

Such a detailed review. Thank you

[@wapphigh5250]

Do these have the exact same case size with the exact same "minimum span" ie 50mm (as per your 15 Jan 21 video) or does the 15400 have a bigger minimum span? thanks

[@simonassouline45]

The educator and narrator of Haute Horology, Hafiz! So minor differences, having either is a true blessing, AP the best of Haute Horology!

[@abdulrahmanabdulaziz8742]

Is the bezel a little thiner on the 15500? Thanks for this amazing review.

[@apinyaanantchatchawal3150]

Best in class review again!!!

[@madboy1076]

Which is the popular color of this model for men and women?

[@warrenjacob2701]

Nice comparison, I am working to buy my 1st AP and will go for the 15500 as I find it more cleaner . Thank you Hafeez

[@dosanjs]

Great video. Very informative and amazing camera work. I like the newer model best. So I’ll put it on the long list of things that are tantalisingly out of reach.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much for watching the video and the feedback. It’s a spectacular piece mate and it’s worth the wait no matter how long. You’d be stoked when you eventually get it, mark my words. Thanks again, and pls do checkout my latest reviews on Rolex and GS too, and I’m sure you’d love them too :)

[@nakrop99]

Thanks for the great video. Wonderful details. Between the grey and black, which is better for smaller wrist size? I can’t get the blue from the ad, you know why. The other option I’m considering is the panda chrono you reviewed.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Many thanks for watching and the feedback. Both wear the same naturally but I personally think the black has a look of smaller dial due to darker shade. I’d personally other grey dial due to the depth it gives with colour and shades. But will give a smaller look generally - not that it will wear small too because they’re both same size. Hope it helps. I reviewed the grey dial here if you wanted to have a look. Link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn-4fHdjes2mr8U

[@nakrop99]

@@HafizJMehmood Thanks. Keep up the good work

[@nakrop99]

Thanks for the great video. Wonderful details. Between the grey and black, which is better for smaller wrist size? I can’t get the blue from the ad, you know why? What do you think? Another option would be the panda chrono.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

The only thing I lile better about the 400 is the "Automatic" text, wish that were on the 500. I currently cant afford either though so it doesnt really matter to me...yet!

[@skatedude22]

Hey, great video. I've been trying to get these answers out of AP customer service and PR for two weeks now, but you'd think they didn't even know what they were manufacturing over there, couldn't get any answer form them, so I'm very pleased to find your comparison. I'm considering the older purchasing the older model (caliber 3120) vs the newer model (caliber 4302) ... with that being said, the older caliber has more jewels and more parts .. Versus the new caliber offering a higher frequency and 10 hours more in the power reserve. So...comparing the two pros of each caliber, is that enough to warrant one being "better" than the othe if we're comparing only the movements? Doesn't more jewels and more parts = a better movement? Is the 10 hour power reserve really worth the incremental 2,500$? (if I remember correctly) Please share your opinion or any insight on this. Thanks!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Hi. Thanks for watching the video and reaching out. I’ve spent sometime with both of these watches and ended up letting my 15500 go and keeping 15400, primarily due to aesthetic reasons. I personally welcome additional 10 hours of power reserve but that neither makes the deal for me nor breaks. The 15400 Already comes with 60 hours which is more than enough even when compared with current benchmarks figures. More parts or jewels doesn’t necessarily mean a better movement but to me personally it does make the movement a little more interesting as you’ve more going on in the caseback. I personally prefer 15400 due to following reasons. 1. Solid gold rotor which I love. 2. APs family crests on the rotor (horse and bird) which is missing on 15400 3. Seconds hand on 15400 is more than beautiful. 4. Dial layout is just too crisp on 15400 5. Thinner case and it does feel slimmer. 6. Smaller dial and watch face compared to 15500. 7. More traditional RO looks compared to 15500 which is more modern. 8. Although I wouldn’t consider buying 15400 only because it’s 2.5k cheaper but it does make a difference.

[@skatedude22]

Thanks very much for your insights!

[@almcl9391]

Prefer the 15400 aesthetics, for sure

[@HafizJMehmood]

I’m with you on this. Thanks for watching :)

[@subvike]

its more complicated...worse, new one is much better more simple

[@raihanrahman03]

Great informative video.

[@damnmister]

Great comparison, thanks!

[@thomasrusso1411]

Have the 15300 love it the 39mm is the original Royal Oak size

[@HafizJMehmood]

39mm is THE size for Royal Oak - no questions asked. Great choice.

[@ahmedalzeeny]

amazing review brother, keep them up

[@ronnierajpal7041]

But haven’t they stopped manufacturing the 15400? Can you still buy them?

[@HafizJMehmood]

15400 are no longer manufactured. 15500 replaced them last year.

[@christopherliang6879]

The gold rotor on the 15400 is in my opinion right up their with the overseas among the Holy Trinity. Now it isn't. I can't buy the Royal Oak knowing the Gold Rotor on the Vacheron Overseas is so much better and more extravagant.

[@nphana]

That's why the price of 15400 (2020) still very high!!!

[@wardorhino398]

Sorry AP. The 15400 looks way nicer. The 15500 looks like a big empty space. Not good by your design team.

[@vadimdon]

15400 has a much nicer dial imho the beefier thicler hour markers in the new one doesn't suit the watch

[@weerobot]

15400 for me...

[@rasinit1]

To me, 15400 without question is better lookihg and more proportional

[@MsStevechan]

Cannot find at AD shop. sad.

[@HafizJMehmood]

It is sad. They’re starting to go scarce as well which is a shame.

[@MsStevechan]

@@HafizJMehmood guess what? I left my business card for 2 weeks and they called back, asking me to buy an offshore, then they will sell me the Royal Oak, I cannot believe it, AD shop, from AP!!!!!!!

[@HafizJMehmood]

It’s a shame and I know it’s happening. Which offshore did they ask you to buy? Some steel offshores are also starting to become hard to get.

[@BIadeSnap]

One opinion: - Cost Reduction!

[@jackchueh1231]

The 15400 dial with new movement and solid gold rotor.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Wow. That’d be the best of both worlds. Dial and solid gold rotor on 154 are to die for 👌

[@Waitaminutesilly]

the movement on the 15400 is too small for the watch causing the date window to sit way inside of the dial. 15500 has the right size movement, date location, trivial word "automatic" serves no value now is gone from the dial. I like 15500 better.

[@TimG--]

Nice video mate. AP 15202!!!!!

[@HafizJMehmood]

My video on 15202 will be coming live in a few weeks time so stay tuned 🙂 Thanks for watching.

[@Mat1987Sch]

Hello Hafiz, I love your videos. Should’ve found your channel earlier. What do you think after > 1 year - which watch 15400 or 15500 do you like more? Have you gotten used to the 15500? Planning to buy an AP RO, and the more I look, the more I like the 15400 for its more traditional design. Greetings from Germany.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Hi. Many thanks for watching me. Both 15400 and 15500 in this video were my watches at the time of review. I didn’t like 15500 and sold it a few months later. I tried black 15500 and thought I’ll give another go. Bought it again this year. Sold it back as it’s just a bit off-looking. As for 15400, I still have it and will likely never sell it. 15400 to me is a pinnacle; you get the RO vibe yet modern watch, but again, looks are subjective, so it’s just my opinion. Hope this helps.

[@Mat1987Sch]

@@HafizJMehmood Thanks a lot for your reply, much appreciated! Your feedback strengthens my opinion on 15400 vs. 15500: The more I look at the 15500, the more it looks a bit off and unbalanced. Guess I will prefer the 15400 (in white, by the way). Would definitely be a nice addition to my collection. Of course, this is personal taste.

[@bilalbilal2204]

Price

[@vincentnepomuceno7589]

👍👍👍

[@bozkurtlar6590]

I think the 15500 in blue and black is a wonderful preference and I also like the idea that they have removed the automatic logo from the 15500, makes it look more refined and utilitarian.

[@cooler145]

nice video bro

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@stormrider01]

The never one looks cheaper.

[@underdog5081]

I have the black dial 15500 and it pops. Blue dial for AP is underwhelming

[@dobie_bellaruby]

That missing Automatic does not make the dial balanced. At that date position is just awful! For that reason I'm out

[@radoslavmilev4896]

15400 is way more symmetrical. I really dislike 15500.

[@ronniep9272]

The 15500 looks better, much more contemporary and masculine.

[@n00dyl69]

😯😯😯😯

[@TroubledLoner]

15500 too plain looking, 15400 all the way.

[@christonwalker3216]

15500 coming soon!

[@horizon-productmovies6289]

Plot twist: They are replicas

[@HafizJMehmood]

They’re not.

[@horizon-productmovies6289]

@@HafizJMehmood I happen to know someone who can check, wanna send them to him? 😂

[@MrNepalChhanel]

what an ugly watch. How much is it? i love china because I can afford a watch. i am wearing my $69 chinese made watch. namaste from nepal.

[@KR-dn7xd]

It’s modern not modrun, pattern not pattrun, learn how to pronounce words properly. 🙄

[@HafizJMehmood]

Sure - I will work on it. English isn’t my first language and learning really continues all our lives. You might also need to learn a more polite way of criticism mate. Thanks for mentioning regardless.

[@felixduan4040]

It's obvious english isn't his first language, but no need to call it out! Quality of content is still great. Hafiz - keep staying confident and doing your thing!

[@KR-dn7xd]

Hafiz J Mehmood, point taken.

[@dobie_bellaruby]

It's shit not Kshitij!