[4K] The Beautiful Royal Oak 15500ST BUT.. I expected better | Hafiz J Mehmood

Thank you for watching and support to my channel, my work, and my love for horology.
I spend a lot of time in producing these videos before you see them here, and the effort that goes in making these vids is a combination of knowledge, analysis, close inspection, assessment of watch on the wrist from both wearer's perspective and third person's view, accuracy checks, and above all, my passion and love for horology and fine watchmaking.
If you like the content I produce and wish to support me, please join me in my Patreon platform to help me continue to produce the content. I am not funded or sponsored by anyone, and this gives me the ability to share an unbiased opinion and candid assessment. Also, due to the volume of messages I receive, I am unable to respond to email discussions unfortunately, so if you want to discuss any of the watches I have reviewed further, ask for my suggestion and insights into your watch collection, please join my Pateron platform, where you can message me directly.
You will also get access to my ad-free videos upon subscribing to my Patreon.
I am an independent watch reviewer with no sponsor, and this is what separates me from the rest of the mainstream. And if you think my independence and freedom of speech to share unbiased and candid reviews deserves your support, please come forward:
Support to my work:
Patreon: / hafizjmehmood
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Twitter: / hafizjmehmood
Please do check out my other videos:
My Channel: / @hafizjmehmood
References:
AP Royal Oak 15500ST.OO.1220ST.03
My wrist size in all the clips: 6.5"
My wrist span: 55mm
Watch Cases: 41mm on paper
Watch Lug to Lug: As per Video
Watch Dial Sizes: As per Video
Watch bracelet width at lugs: As per Video
All comments in this videos are mine and driven from my real-life and hands-on experience, macro inspection, Visual assessment, wear and feel of watch in the hand and on the wrist.
Please reach out to me for any enquiries or collaborations at [e-mail]
If you want to discuss any watches I have reviewed, please join my Patreon to message me directly. Due to volume of emails I receive, I am unfortunately not able to respond to emails related to watch discussions, my advice, suggestion or insights to watch collection questions. Thank you.
#HafizJMehmood

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thank you for watching and support to my channel, my work, and my love for horology. I spend a lot of time in producing these videos before you see them here, and the effort that goes in making these vids is a combination of knowledge, analysis, close inspection, assessment of watch on the wrist from both wearer's perspective and third person's view, accuracy checks, and above all, my passion and love for horology and fine watchmaking. If you like the content I produce and wish to support me, please join me in my Patreon platform to help me continue to produce the content. I am not funded or sponsored by anyone, and this gives me the ability to share an unbiased opinion and candid assessment. Also, due to the volume of messages I receive, I am unable to respond to email discussions unfortunately, so if you want to discuss any of the watches I have reviewed further, ask for my suggestion and insights into your watch collection, please join my Pateron platform, where you can message me directly. You will also get access to my ad-free videos upon subscribing to my Patreon. I am an independent watch reviewer with no sponsor, and this is what separates me from the rest of the mainstream. And if you think my independence and freedom of speech to share unbiased and candid reviews deserves your support, please come forward: Support to my work: Patreon: www.patreon.com/HafizJMehmood Instagram: instagram.com/horolojust/ Facebook: facebook.com/HafizJMehmood Twitter: twitter.com/HafizJMehmood Please do check out my other videos: My Channel: kzbin.info/door/nkBUPz6L8oXQ2CGaZp9cbQ All comments in this videos are mine and driven from my real-life and hands-on experience, macro inspection, Visual assessment, wear and feel of watch in the hand and on the wrist. Please reach out to me for any enquiries or collaborations at [e-mail] If you want to discuss any watches I have reviewed, please join my Patreon to message me directly. Due to volume of emails I receive, I am unfortunately not able to respond to emails related to watch discussions, my advice, suggestion or insights to watch collection questions. Thank you.

[@bozkurtlar6590]

Hope you do really well pal and become successful 👍🏼🔥

[@ahmedalzeeny]

Oh man, this is how a perfect watch review should be done, in every aspect. you get the full picture of owning this watch, Bless you, my brother. it's hard to express how your amazing videos help us understand as get to see these watches up close with a fair judgment.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Amen. It's the good wishes like this that drive my channel, and my passion to capture and share the details I go to. So, thanks to you my friend.

[@tthien93]

Love how you decimate the holy trinity hype with those macro shots at 10:06 while most other reviewers would just talk up these watches for a profit

[@HafizJMehmood]

Cheers. May the passion for watches be never outweighed by personal interests :)

[@tiongloo5310]

I don't need to view to give a like knowing u are a perfectionist.

[@jeremydahm2124]

It's incredibly helpful to see how these beautiful, iconic pieces wear on a 6.5 inch wrist. I have a 6.7 inch wrist. This is a larger wearing 41 but it looks superb in these wrist shots. Hafiz, the king of the wrist shot. Cheers.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@DarshanParajuli]

I really like the fact that you mention the watch's real world accuracy. I know accuracy tends to get overlooked when it comes to mechanical watches (and to each their own), and a lot of reviewers leave it out. Also love the macro shots and the visible perfections and imperfections. Amazing!

[@reconteam91]

The way you make watch videos are not just informative but dramatic and striking, unlike others who just sit down and show the watch on a table. Subscribed and shopping around for this watch because of the video you made. Kudos!

[@shubhankarsse]

It's a good day when Hafiz uploads. Your voice, Script, Attention to detail asre so good and on point. You are giving watchfinder a run for their money👏🏻

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks a ton :)

[@pauggle8853]

That camera work is so freaking damn good!!!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@MTbone7]

Amazing watch and equally amazing vid Hafiz, you are still killing it!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much. Long time :)

[@MTbone7]

@@HafizJMehmood I watch all your vids my friend, they are even better. You've gained a great following so I've let others sing your praises

[@WatchGeek]

Beautiful watch shot in a beautiful way 👏👏

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@KR-dn7xd]

10:08 Makes me appreciate Grand Seiko even more!

[@TLewis-zm5rl]

lol grand peasant

[@walkerb1734]

Another beautiful video. Truly some of the best watch content on KZbin! I love this model of the Royal Oak. Unfortunately, I have very small wrists and this size just doesn't work for me. I know there's a 39mm (and 37mm as well) size....but I like the new movement in this one.

[@HafizJMehmood]

39mm 15202 is matchless IMO - from every aspect, movement included. Thanks for watching.

[@dhunter1133]

There were too many things I didn't like about the 15400; the 15500 fixed all of them for me. I do appreciate the criticisms that the dial is plain and the watch thick and heavy, but I actually prefer the cleaner dial w chapter ring & thicker indices, the larger overall presentation, and the significantly more robust movement (which is the trade-off for the case thickness). I do wish for better lume and water resistance, but can live with these shortcomings. The dust and scratches issue on the hands that you mention is one that I don't have with mine, for whatever reason.

[@BeastNolan]

Amazing as always, Hafiz! You are one the best channels on KZbin.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Wow, thanks! :)

[@ghostofk2]

This is truly an unique watch review channel. One of its kind. Great job. Waiting for the other two holy trinity. Wonder any of them beat GS under microscope.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thank you :) I’ve actually done a few vids on VC overseas already. Here’s the latest one I did which you might have missed ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmXYdpanit5qZrs

[@Sebastian85]

Thank you so much for showing the details! With the macro you can see how badly the hands are finished. And that the screw holes are sharp and do not quite match the screw heads. According to the price of this piece it is not what i would expect.

[@fredguerdin8462]

Hafiz, you really need to stop to publish your vids..... you already made me buy a SD43 and now give me the idea of this AP.... My wife is gonna kill me 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Keep up the good work 👏👏👏

[@jimmyjones9780]

My wife wears a Special Edition (118) AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver, 2016, in Tangerine, White Gold and Stainless Steel, and I wear a Limited Edition (255) AP Royal Oak Offshore QE II Cup, 2016, in Forged Carbon and Rose Gold, and we both love them so much ....

[@WatchSociety]

Great review, I’ve just done one on my 15500.

[@DanAvasilcai]

Love your videos too. Got my 15500 grey and i can say is the best watch i own. After owning a AP rolex doesnt seem special no more

[@WatchSociety]

@@DanAvasilcai wait until you get into Vacheron 🤦🏽‍♂️ 😂

[@DanAvasilcai]

@watch society I tried the VC and really not my style. I am a more of a rugged person and AP fits me well and matches my look i guess. Keep up the good videos because of you and Hafiz i decided to go in to AP. Rolex doesn't interests me no more. I had all the models and seriously nothing special about them

[@hunterphan5506]

You are definitely one of the best watch reviewers on YT, if not the best. Thank you for the the great work.

[@antonioromano3241]

lovely video. if i may ask, which gears do you use for such a beautiful, high details, and sharp close ups?

[@simonassouline45]

Hafiz is the best narrator and educator of Boutique Watches! Plus he points out all the flaws!

[@MarcOliverOpresnik]

Thanks for this excellent review. I have never seen anything more professional than this review: camera, shots and macros are stunning as the audio that comes along with the pics. What I like most is your honest view and desciption of this classic watch: many revieers would not dare to have any negative comment about the watch given its reputation but you clearly address what is not perfect at this price point! KUDOS!

[@craig2100]

Bravo. The Royal Oak commands too much money for what it really is, but there's no denying that it's beautiful.

[@boykaunlimitted4514]

Check out the Maurice Lacroix Aikon 42 mm. I’m wearing it right now and it’s just such a nice watch. It is by all means not a copy but would offer you a much more budget friendly substitution of this style of watch

[@craig2100]

@@boykaunlimitted4514 agreed, great choice

[@Kr0nicridah]

Getting a Royal Oak is like getting a 911 - there’s no substitute, hence the reason it commands the price it does.

[@underdog5081]

Wise surprised me with his exact watch for my Etsy birthday gift. Black dial for this reference is the best dial as it looks so sleek with shine of the bracelet.

[@leokal457]

Hi Hafiz, very good video as always! Are you sure the movement is hand finished? Ive often heard new standard AP movements arent hand finished apart from a few small parts! I would really like some insights on movement finishing from you! Youre macro shots are amazing and Im sure you got much to tell about movement finishing

[@captain6368]

A beautiful Royal Oak indeed! I just picked up a black dial 15300 and I love the 39mm case size like the original Oak. The 15500 is certainly a very modern piece with the 41mm case. Whichever you choose, the AP Royal Oak is and will always be an iconic grail piece from one of the Holy Trinity...AP is this generations patek. In fact, it is more rugged and manly than the Patek Nautilus, which is boring to me. Great work!

[@abdulrahmanabdulaziz8742]

Couldn't agree more with everything you said.. I personally prefer the Royal Oak and even the Overseas over the Nautilus. BTW I wish if they re-release the 39mm or create a new one at 40mm.

[@jeffrx]

Beautiful watch and very well done video. I was surprised to see the imperfect hand finishing, but overall it's a stunning watch. Thanks for the video.

[@frankrobertnilsen7355]

Thank you indeed. Its just a pure pleasure to watch your videos. Everytime im come across some search, im pleased when your video comes up. I am now in the big thinking box, thinking and think if i should buy my self a Royal oak 15500st, or Patek 5167 rubber strap, or a Daytona 116500ln. After see this video im leaning towards the 15500st, but a bit disappointing to see the detail of the minute and hour hand. Still im so drawned towards the looks of it and the amazing bracelet and overall looks of it, and especially now when see it on your hand. I have a few Rolex, but this will indeed be my very last phurchace, and i was thinking if i should go up a step and try one of these. I will not phurchase one more later on, so im really thinking, and laso its pricy since i must go phurchase it in the grey market. May i ask your advice, 5167, or 15500st, or can the Daytona 116500ln be alternative to those two? Thanks again , i really loved this video and will watch it again few times im sure to decide what to do. Keep up the wonderful work. Big fan :)

[@lucstas1922]

Having the watch in the collection we can only agree. We have the same watches in the collection. You have a very refined taste! Congrats for the quality of the videos also!

[@TagmatonDomestikon]

Is it normal for the date to not change at exactly 12 like how you show at 9.35? I have a Tudor and a few Tags and they change date at 12 exactly.

[@petespurgeon7217]

Master piece again always so enjoyable to hear , as for the Royal Oak the cost vs. the quality is very debatable dispite the Genta heraldry, its way over for me. Thanx. P.S. Tx.

[@MalikTheStartupGuy]

Wow. These reviews are so emotional and dramatic. I love it

[@spechtandsohnewatches]

I love this design

[@chinatuego-osuala264]

Your reviews are some of the best reviews for incite and appreciation for fine horology. I had to subscribe after this video; Fantastic work with visual clarity, editing... I am having a difficult time deciding between this AP 15500 and the Rolex GMT-Master II Everose Root Beer 126715 (when the time comes), and have not seen a review near the depth that you provide in your videos. Do you think that you will be doing a review of the Rolex in the near future? hopefully so, it would help my decision a lot. Great work though, looking forward to more of your reviews.

[@WatchesJourney]

Fantastic review and macro shots, I love my grail 15500ST black and prefer the clean dial and seconds hand.

[@shaundebono8156]

you have the best watch reviews bro ! well done keep it up

[@michaeldgs]

Stunning AP👌 but something must have been wrong with the finishing on the hands on this particular piece. I dont recall you found similar issues on the other APs you reviewed? 🤔

[@HafizJMehmood]

I have shown issues previously with rough paint and rusted underside of hand on the AP chrono 26480Ti 42mm. I dont think all hands would be scratched the same way in all the watches, but if one is, many more will too be.

[@michaeldgs]

@@HafizJMehmood Im really surprised. I had a brand new 15450st which also had a visible grease spot on the hour hand, but thought that was a fluke. Traded it for a 15400 which is perfect, even under a loupe. Great Vid as always Hafiz 😊👍

[@josephngan4633]

Thanks for the great video, Hafiz! Which dial do You think is the 2nd best after blue? I cannot make my decision without having all of them side by side as they all look great to me!!

[@andychang7137]

don't know how to buy this watch with current pandemic situation... it's amazing

[@toycollector4756]

Thanks for focusing in and highlighting the roughness and dust on the hands. Sorely disappointed in AP for sloppiness on such iconic piece.

[@danhu8143]

love the video as always, amazing work!

[@TimG--]

I think the 41mm is to big for RO! I am trying to like it though. Rather get the 202 model 39mm and pay the extra - though no second hand and original movement! Nice review mate.

[@HafizJMehmood]

That is the very original movement in 202 - not inhouse, yes, but that doesn't matter for how original 15202 is in its current form.

[@akosbalog4363]

I really love APRO, it is one of my dream watches. But I don't know if I could live with those poorly finished hands. :( (I have some Grand Seikos and I like to take macro photos...)

[@eamonsuen]

I own a grand seiko too. It's hard to imagine how AP has watches that has poorer finishing on the hands compared to a watch less than half of its price ...

[@nishantprakash5928]

Not True. I checked my Royal Oak 15500st and my Friend's Royal Oak 15202st. They both are spotless, not a single smudge mark or scratch. Hafiz probably got unlucky with his Royal Oak.

[@ianferris]

Amazing as always, keep it up!

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks a ton!

[@nw9592]

Stunning as always😍

[@fullspectrum2752]

Normally I would feel the concerns you brought up on the hands would be minor but in comparison, the quality on the other parts is very different. Do you feel AP would find this in the same light that you did and worth bringing to their attention to fix? I would think no but it does look as if those parts were handled in a poor fashion compared to the rest of your watch. Great video!

[@M7AMED95]

Most beautiful watch with black dial

[@edwinardhian5862]

You are the best watch review I ever seen. Thank you. Keep up your good work!

[@maiden4605]

Thanks for the great video Hafiz. Could you do one of the Girard Perregaux Laureato, 42mm? I recently purchased one and I am blown away by it. I like it as much or maybe better than my previous AP 15400.

[@JimJones762x39]

thumbs up awesome vid I dont know which i like better the black dial or the blue

[@iancampbell9297]

another great video I love how detailed you are and great close up videos.

[@ekanjoto6248]

Hi, very enjoying your video 😁 is it true that 15500 span smaller than 15400? I saw in your 15400 video and the watch span is 55 mm? And the 15500 span is 50mm..

[@lyonlee86]

Great video as always Hafiz!

[@animarku570]

i Love your all of videos and your work that you’re ur doing , 👏👏👏 , i wolf like to ask you if you own all of this watches , and how did you make it to have almost impossible to get this watches nowadays

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks for watching and the feedback. I dont own all of these watches. I borrow most for review from my friends around me.

[@animarku570]

I wonder if you ever heard of the Akrivia watches , its and independent watchmaker who makes incredible watches, if you can have hands on please make a video of it

[@paullewis266]

Thank you for reviewing this time piece , for the money these watches cost, the finish on the hands is disgraceful . If I owned that watch I’d take it back .

[@HafizJMehmood]

I am sure AP would replace the hands if you claim warranty, but that's not the point here - why did it leave the factory with these marks is!

[@paullewis266]

@@HafizJMehmood Exactly AP should for the money they ask for these watches have better Quality Control, other brands like Rolex should up their game in this area also.

[@AVANTAGEYT]

Great Review Hafiz, I was thinking of picking that one and now you helped me make my decision :)

[@gauravthapar43]

Why all the AP watches have dust and poor finishing inside.... 🤔

[@mohamedjemmal5960]

Perfect watch review as usually, real quality channel we feel all your passion in the videos !!

[@gride5153]

Wonderful video thank-you. May I add my disappointment with the 50m water resistance. In my opinion, 50m is grossly inadequate for a sports watch in 2020.

[@abdullahyahya2471]

I don't have words to describe how good this review is. ♥️♥️

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Can you review Casio Oceanus or Citizen 'The Citizen'?

[@2024-s2n]

The holy grail the end

[@talaltashfeen196]

MashaAllah, Hafiz bhai. Another great video!

[@19NJS71]

I think the size should go to 40 mm, and they should move the AP logo down to fill up that space (like the Jumbo). then it would be perfect

[@slal8739]

Great video, well done !

[@miltongp8318]

Hi Hafiz, I've ordered my new Royal Oak Self-winding Chronograph ST00.1220ST.O1 Blue Dial. Would love to know your thoughts on it. High regards S Lal

[@marklawrence9416]

Another stunning video, well done.

[@jackominty3633]

The blue dial is even nicer.

[@TTSS2]

Beautiful video as usual but I would rather go Rolex when it comes to sports watches.

[@storck08]

Too big for me in the 41 mm size. But I appreciate the design and it's history.

[@barlow1973]

Poor in accuracy, poor finish on the hands... Really unacceptable in a piece like this. Although taking into account that the VC Overseas was not hackable until the last update... On the other hand, excellent video. Those macro shots are sure to make the brands question themselves a lot.

[@mattihanhineva8841]

When was this update on overseas? Im under the impression VC overseas 4500v does not hack.

[@barlow1973]

@@mattihanhineva8841 Sorry, I was wrong, the overseas is not hackable either

[@HafizJMehmood]

Yep, Overseas and nautilus dont hack.

[@donaldneo4317]

The 15400 white dial is my grail but seeing the finishing in the hands is disappointing... no wonder GS is making such a wave especially for the price.

[@ahmedalzeeny]

as usual, awesome review, well done

[@Translation-in-Malaysia]

Surprising with those scratches and dust particles, my 6 K Grand Seiko doesnt have that problem...

[@edgy8481]

Another great review!

[@G1CHO]

I love these videos but hate the ads in KZbin. I'd rather pay you to send me these videos every time you make one.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Hi. Thanks for watching and the support. You can join my Patreon platform where I share Ad-free video link with my patrons. The details are in the description of this video or in the pinned comment of this video too.

[@G1CHO]

@@HafizJMehmood Hi and thank you for taking the time to reply, I know you will be busy so I greatly appreciate it. Which package offers the ad free videos?

[@DongHoDocLa]

thanks so much i like this review

[@illuminati10yearsago80]

10:36 Looks like the watchmaker used the seconds hand to line his cocaine before putting it in to the watch 😂 It's really good someone is exposing this disgustingness with watches of this price point. Literally my old Leijona children's watch has almost flawless hands with nice roundings at the edges, and that thing was less than 100€ new... Fucking carbage.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Wonderful review, thank you.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Thanks so much :)

[@HAL-xy3om]

Nice review friend!

[@j2hsieh]

What a wonderful review, SUBSCRIBED

[@cal.3861]

It's hard to put watch collecting in perspective. What watches are truly worth the money? The finish on the hr and minute hands on this AP was definitely disappointing. You have other watch brands for a lot less money that have extremely accurate movements. For example my Tudor BB 58 Blue is running at +1.4 seconds a day which I consider amazing at 4k price point. I guess it is just individual choice of any one person. Maybe that is what makes this hobby so enjoyable.

[@HaiTran-sh8ph]

Mình có 1 em mà ko rõ

[@YuanMizzle]

I know blue is most people’s preference... but they’re impossible to even get on the waitlist for. How would you guys rank the other dial colors? For the steel 15500, there’s silver, black, and ruthenium (gray).

[@cemtopbasi4161]

Great review brother

[@MrMatt1923]

I would have expected much better finishing from AP.

[@vishalrao9189]

insane review men ...

[@martin.zurich]

Nice Video

[@michaelbishop9157]

That is genuinely appalling finishing for a watch maker of such high regard

[@Star_Sn1per]

This is ultimate douches watch

[@kostar500]

Appalling? Which watch brand do u recommend for this price range?

[@macoyupadoodle]

@@kostar500 exactly, for this price range the finish is appalling. Especially when other watches priced lower have less imperfections

[@TLewis-zm5rl]

@@Star_Sn1per you're just a broke boy that can only afford omegas and tudors

[@Star_Sn1per]

@@TLewis-zm5rl That's right i wear Seikos!!

[@simonassouline45]

Substandard craftsmanship, with paying exuberant premiums! Total Joke, Rolex is 1,000 times better!

[@hoangsu7233]

looking good

[@quetz666]

Iconic watch deserves superb video.

[@watchingandseeing]

Only problem is no normal person can get one

[@svenbruder9977]

Should’ve got a A.Lang&son

[@mlzakaria5800]

السلام عليكم جزاك الله خيراً

[@vali69]

It's fifteen five hundred or fifteen four hundred, not one double 5 double 0 or whatever.

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

AP should be embarrassed by that macro.

[@HelloWorld-pc2ym]

It's surprise to see the finish of the terrible hands vs the nice bracelet.

[@diegoschiavi5844]

it looks 1mm smaller than the old 15400