Hi everyone -- I've been looking at getting a blue dialed RO for a while and while the 5402 was my first love in AP (as it has been for many a vintage collector), the combination of a 6.5" wrist and the inflationary prices kept me away. I thought about a 15202 too but the size is the same and the prices seem even worse since it's still in production. After talking to a few people with similar sized wrists, I've been turned toward the 14790 with a first series dial, like the one in the picture below (from my friend @theflywrist on IG). I wanted to ask people's opinion as to how they wear, quality, and any comparisons - good or bad - compared to it's larger siblings. Thanks in advance,

Andrew

 

I have a 14790SA. One of my favorites in the collection. Wears so well on a smaller wrist.
Prices for this ref as well as the 4100 have risen rapidly as well, so no longer the bargain they once were.

 

Unfortunately I’ve never owned one, but from pictures and everything I’ve heard they are perfection. My vote is if you have the means and an opportunity, jump at it!

 

Great to hear. And yes, I know I will be paying for the RO popularity of late.

How big is your wrist? Any pictures ?

 

What are the prices looking like these days? I have always been interested given my 6.6" wrists.

 

An expensive but excellent choice.
They wear very well- better than a pp nautilus and, in my opinion, a superior watch
Cheers

 

Today I was in a shop in Switzerland and have this AP Royal Oak (tropical dial) on my wrist. I make a picture and you can see that it fits smaller arms perfect.

 

15.5 cm

 

Wow, incredible watch!

 

Well, ended up walking into my local vintage dealer on Friday and they'd just gotten this in an hour beforehand. Somehow, the price was very reasonable and today, I get to call myself the proud owner of this beauty. After a good IG and forum search, I'm happy to say I haven't seen a dial this evenly tropical before on a 14790.

 

Congrats! Killer piece!

 

Incredible watch! Btw was it a black dial gone tropical or a salmon dial that has developed an even patina?

 

These were originally a slate blue - see below. There are unconfirmed rumors of a salmon dial but those, if they are real, had black fonts.

 

Thanks for clarifying. Didn’t even think of the font colour. Have added this reference to my hunting list!

 

Having smaller wrists too (6.5 or 6.6 inches), I think this size of 37mm or so is perfect. It is also far far thinner than the modern 15450 reference, which I think wears much much nicer - just a few milimeters difference in thickness makes a world of difference.

I think the negative is that, as with any vintage watch, condition is everything.

A royal oak, more than most vintage watches, IMO rely on the condition of the case and bracelet as being key to its value. You can get these very cheap at times, but I would leave it unless you have a very very good conditioned example - rather than saving 30-40% on price buying a worn out piece.

Other factors - while I personally do like the vintage styled dial & hands, to be critical it is not that legible... at a glance the minutes, hours, and indices all somewhat look the same, and I've found it difficult to clearly determine the time quickly. Knit-picking, but at the price you're paying you have to REALLY love the design.

Personally I think there's a little bit of a steel-watch-bubble and these prices are inflated. Unless your heart is set on it, I recon wait a few years! There are some other compelling options in this price range.

 

I had a tropical 4100st (1mm smaller than 14790) and I think 35-36mm is perfect for AP RO (I have 17.5 mm wrists)

Why?
I think it gives the perfect balance between sporty and dressy. It is a sporty watch that you very well can wear to a suit. The large ROs are in my opinion much less elegante and wear much less well with suit.

 

Congrats and excellent pick up! My Klein blue 14790 says hi.

 

14790st has been on my radar for quite a while now. 36 mm is the perfect size and I guess people noticed since it has more than doubled in price last couple of years.

Only concern is that I read about 14790 owners experiencing issues with getting it serviced since AP has not stocked up on parts.

 

BEAUTY!!!

 

Amazing pick up!