Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500 vs 15400: which 41mm to buy

When collectors talk about the "modern" 41mm Royal Oak, they mean two references: the 15400, produced from 2012 to 2019, and its successor the 15500, launched in 2019 and discontinued in 2022. Both share the same case, bracelet and iconic Genta silhouette — but the differences matter.

## Movement

The 15400 uses calibre 3120 (60-hour power reserve, 21,600 vph). The 15500 upgraded to calibre 4302 (70-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, higher-beat). The 4302 is a more modern movement with better finishing visible through the sapphire caseback.

## Dial and date window

This is the most visible change. The 15400's date window sits slightly recessed with a small gap around the numerals; the 15500 widens the date aperture and pushes the outer minute track outward. The result: the 15500 dial looks marginally cleaner and more contemporary. Purists prefer the 15400's proportions.

## Wearability

Identical on the wrist — 41mm x 10.4mm, 155g on the integrated bracelet.

## Pre-owned pricing (UK, 2026)

- **15400ST blue dial:** £38,000–£44,000 depending on year and set completeness - **15500ST blue dial:** £42,000–£48,000 - **15500ST black dial:** £40,000–£46,000

The 15500 trades at roughly a 10% premium — reasonable given the newer movement and shorter production run.

## Which to buy

Buy the 15400 if you value the "original" Grande Tapisserie dial proportions and want to save a few thousand pounds. Buy the 15500 if you want the newer in-house movement and don't mind paying for it. Either way, condition and paperwork matter more than reference — a mint 15400 with box, papers and extra links is a better buy than a beaten 15500.