Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm vs. 41mm: A Collector's Visual Comparison

holdemchamp1225 · 2020-09-07T08:36:04Z

Explore a visual comparison of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm 15202ST and 41mm 15407ST. See how case size and bracelet thickness impact wrist presence on smaller wrists.

holdemchamp1225

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

46 replies14118 views9 photos

In this insightful comparison, holdemchamp1225 provides a visual guide to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 39mm and 41mm, specifically contrasting the 15202ST and the 15407ST. His detailed photos and personal observations on how these iconic references wear on a 16.5cm wrist offer invaluable perspective for collectors navigating the nuances of Royal Oak sizing. This thread remains highly relevant for understanding the subtle yet significant differences in case and bracelet proportions that impact wrist presence.

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As stated prior, I have a rather small wrist, ~ 16.5cm or ~ 6.5" + or - depending on the humidity. Although I think the 39mm Royal Oak case fits me better, I could not and did not refuse getting a 15407ST in 41mm. The case does wear bigger although it also helps that the bracelet is a but beefier as well which makes up for the thin bracelet of the 15202ST. Have a look at the photos and see for yourself.

About the Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 YG Ref. 15202

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" ref. 15202 is a significant reference within the Royal Oak collection, known for its close adherence to the original 1972 design. It maintains the distinctive slim profile and integrated bracelet that defined the initial Royal Oak, distinguishing it from other Royal Oak models that introduced different sizes or complications. This reference is particularly valued for its historical continuity and minimalist approach to the Royal Oak aesthetic.

This reference features a 39mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, with a thickness of 8.1mm. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. Powering the watch is the self-winding Caliber 2121, a movement known for its slimness and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The dial is presented in blue, complementing the yellow gold case and bracelet.

For collectors, the 15202 represents a direct link to the Royal Oak's origins, appealing to those who prioritize historical accuracy and understated design. Its production run from 2012 to 2019 makes it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts of the "Jumbo" lineage. The combination of its classic dimensions, integrated bracelet, and the Caliber 2121 solidifies its position as a key reference in the Audemars Piguet catalog.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.2121

Case: yellow gold

Diameter: 39mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 41mm Royal Oak 15407ST, with its open-worked design, appears significantly larger than its 2mm difference suggests, partly due to its thickness and beefier bracelet, which complements the overall aesthetic.
The thicker bracelet on the 15407ST is a well-executed design detail that enhances the open-worked version, making it suitable even for smaller wrists, as confirmed by a fellow collector with similar wrist circumference.
While the 39mm case is often considered the ideal proportion for the Royal Oak, the 41mm skeletonized version, particularly the 15407ST, can still be a captivating choice, with its visual complexity potentially distracting from perceived size issues.
Wrist presence is highly subjective and can vary greatly between watches of similar dimensions; a 47mm Panerai might wear comfortably on a wrist that finds a 41mm Royal Oak challenging, emphasizing the importance of trying watches on in person.
Beyond wrist circumference, hand size can also influence how a watch appears on the wrist, with even smaller dress watches potentially looking disproportionate if hands are particularly diminutive.
The 15202ST holds a special appeal for many collectors, but the 15407ST, with its double balance, offers a distinct visual experience that can be equally compelling.

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 7, 2020

Thanks, Justin. That is obvious. 2 mm change a lot. And the thickness, too. [nt]

holdemchamp1225

Sep 7, 2020

Definitely, side by side we can see the difference. On the wrist, not so much due to how the 15407ST wears 🤷‍♂️ [nt]

redcorals

Sep 8, 2020

+1 2mm seems like such a huge change when compared side by side. Thanks for the detailed shots. [nt]

holdemchamp1225

Sep 8, 2020