MichaelC[AP Moderator]
18890
Welcome here Claude, and great questions.
Feb 24, 2014,17:54 PM
I'll try to shed some light.
With regards to the cost, yes, the 15202 is an up-charge over the other models you mention. But I have learned, over my 10+ years of collecting, it is better to save and get what you prefer than settle for a similar piece.
The 15400 is a terrific reference. Perhaps it is even better to compare the now discontinued 15300, which was also listed at 39mm like the 15202. I owned one for well over a year. Great piece, but on the wrist very different than the "Jumbo".
I think you will find that many members here on PuristSPro do not have any "safe queens". Speaking for myself, I certainly do not. I wear every watch in my small collection. So to own one Royal Oak, it is definitely the 15202 for me. The Caliber 3120 based Royal Oaks certainly offer additional power reserve, and a much easier and faster rapid date corrector. But again, on the wrist, the 15202 leaves me with a feeling unlike any other watch I have worn. And mine is a daily piece, probably being selected 3-4 days per week. As Frank pointed out in his reply, it is an automatic movement.
The thing to do for sure is to try them yourself. If I really preferred the 15400, I would very happily have purchase it instead. We are fortunate that Audemars Piguet offers a good variety of models.
I look forward to hearing more from you, and again, welcome to PuristSPro!
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-02-24 17:56:25