Audemars Piguet 15400 Vs. Hublot All Black Limited Edition
Here, we will discuss about Audemars Piguet 15400 and Hublot All Black Limited Edition.
In the world of matchmaking, one thing is common to most releases, especially from top luxury watchmakers. Most popular wrist watches seek to bring out the balance between functionality and beauty (aesthetics).
Oftentimes, this doesn’t work out entirely well. This is why you find some wristwatches with more functions and fewer aesthetics. Then, there are those that parade elegance and incredible beauty with fewer functions.
Consequently, reviews on all of these products help to stretch out all of these details. You can now understand which part of the divide each one of these wristwatches leans towards more.
Having said that, it suffices to note that certain watches stand close to each other based on these yardsticks. An example of such a pair is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 alongside the Hublot All Black Limited Edition timepiece.
These two wristwatches are products of two different prolific watchmaking brands. And, in this text, we will compare these two wristwatches. Through this comparison, it becomes easier to answer the question: “Which do you prefer?” Follow through!
We will begin with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400!
Introducing The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400
The Audemars Piguet as a brand features a luxurious steel sports watch collection. This collection will be incomplete without mentioning the Royal Oak model. Nevertheless, over the years, this timepiece weathered through various shades of fame.
Not long after its release in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak quickly gathered widespread acceptance. Lovers of wristwatches all over the world loved the different shades of this wristwatch.
As anyone would expect, this watchmaking brand took advantage of this acceptance. This explains why there are numerous variations of this wristwatch. The variation comes in different aspects, such as:
- The case materials
- The dials
- The complications
- The references
- The different sizes of this same timepiece
Regardless, the wristwatch continued to retain its core all through this evolution since its launching in 1972.
The Impacts Of Gerald Genta
The style and aesthetics of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 displays are all thanks to the iconic designer, Gerald Genta.
Genta is the brain behind the design of this beautiful and luxurious timepiece. His works remain some of the best in the watchmaking industry. Little wonder everyone desires the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak today.
Furthermore, his styling of this watch stays fitting to this day. Likewise, the place it occupies in the heart of wristwatch lovers cannot be neglected.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 Wristwatch And Its Variations
There are well over a hundred different structures of the modern-day Royal Oak timepiece. A few of these variations include:
- The “AP” at 6 o’clock, almost the same as the prior reference 5402.
- The introductory two-hander time only timepieces
- The open-worked outstanding complications
Note that, Audemars Piguet set the tone for what will become the basis for the modern Royal Oak wrist watch in 2012.
That year, the watchmaker launched the 15400 version with the 41mm Ref. 15400. Thanks to the launch of this new version, the 39mm 15300 became extinct. Moreover, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak again launched Ref. 15202 fixed in the 39mm version of this timepiece.
With the addition of Ref. 15202 in certain ways, the brand paid homage to the original A-series 5402. While for the 15400 which is the wristwatch under focus in this text, you can get it easily around you. Simply locate a standard retail store like the Raymond Lee Jewelers to buy yours now!
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 In Details
Eventually, in 2012, Audemars Piguet celebrated the brand’s 40th anniversary with the launch of the Royal Oak.
Foremost, this process all started up as some kind of internal clean-up by Audemars Piguet in 2012. Thereafter, the brand introduced three unique, notable base references. They are:
- The Ref. 15400
- The throwback reference 15202
- The 37mm reference 15450
For Ref. 15400, it was the latest edition of the Royal Oak. This edition comes in a unique and new size measurement. For the first time since inception, there is a watch featuring a diameter size as large as 41mm.
Additionally, the automatic caliber 3120 makes its appearance through the case back. Also, the tapisserie dial and the elegant bracelet are again headlined luxuriously on this watch. To be clearer, this timepiece bears exact semblance to no other than an actual Royal Oak.
Considering the streak of prior versions, the Ref. 15400 is related but outstanding. Simply put, this timepiece reveals a new direction. And, this revelation is striking thanks to the intricate improvements to nearly all the parts of the timepiece.
Hence, all of these improvements create a rather beautiful variation from the details of the original.
Finally, the Royal Oak lives as the nucleus of the brand as an entire piece. This edition shoulders a huge role in the entire appearance the watch presents. Plus, if you are a fan of negligibly bigger wrists, the 15400 will provide you with enough features to appreciate.
Who Should Wear The Audemars Piguet Wristwatch?
Being a grand sports wristwatch, the Royal Oak 15400 is comparable to the Submariner. As for its comparison with the Rolex, the Royal Oak gives out the feeling of luxury more than it appears sporty.
Therefore, this wristwatch is not the nicest representation of a one-watch genre like the Submariner.
More so, the Royal Oak is a narrowly more complicated piece based on its entire production process. Audemars Piguet furnished the wristwatch with a distinct appearance and elements that make it different from other versions.
Do you love to wear sports watches yet, prefer to remain minimal? Then, this might not be the timepiece for you. You can try out another watch from the Royal Oak compilation. Try out the Offshore Diver. It might be a nicer bargain.
Furthermore, with the flashiness of this timepiece, it is an excellent accessory fit for only formal outings. However, what if this watch happens to be your only accessory? Simply understand that the best of it will only come out in a business or formal setting.
Meanwhile, you might own other timepieces fit for other events. In this case, the Royal Oak 15400 will come into your collection as a huge inclusion.
Regardless of what it may be, we recommend that you try this watch on. From there, you get an idea of its appearance and fittings on your wrists. If it satisfies you, you can proceed to make your purchase.
The difference in the structure of the bracelet and size of the case is another pointer. Clearly, this wristwatch is not an accessory for everyone.
Besides, if you prefer a 40mm sized timepiece or lesser, the Royal Oak watch might be a bit too big. It comes in a 41mm size measurement. Try out the 15202 version of the watch. It will fit you better.
Introducing The Hublot All Black Limited Edition
Hublot’s journey to its present prestige was an extraordinary one. It all began in 2007, the brand’s CEO, Jean-Claude Biver chose to create an in-house movement. He named this caliber “Unico” However, due to the limited production output of the brand, he could not make more than 2,000 pieces yearly.
However, in early 2010, the Swiss movement producer, BNB Concept declared bankruptcy. As a result of this, there was a change in plans. Hublot purchased BNB’s machinery. Alongside, the brand hired 30 of BNB’s watchmakers.
Consequently, Hublot unexpectedly had the facility to produce an annual output of 20,000 Unico movements. This means that there must be a transition from the small-series output. By that, 80 percent of the movement underwent a redesign.
Thereafter, the movement, Caliber HUB 1240 Unico, appeared for the first time in the All Black timepiece. The watch featured a remarkable diameter of 48 mm. It was nothing less than a big hit amongst watch lovers. It was only a 500-piece All Black limited edition.
Expectedly, judgments about it were not the same. For some people, it was too big. For others, the wristwatch coated too much. While others will either say it is almost illegible or that it is too dark.
However, we will provide a quick rundown of the features of this timepiece. Hopefully, that will give you a new and clearer perspective of this huge timepiece.
The Case Of The Hublot All Black Limited Edition
Interestingly, the particularly huge case of this wristwatch is specially for the Unico caliber. Do not be decided by the stated measurement of 48 mm in case. Actually, the watch scales above 50 mm when measured across the lugs or the crown.
This timepiece is 17.6 mm thick. It exemplifies the brand’s notion of “fusion.” It carefully combines numerous and most unique materials all in one piece. This timepiece is another depiction of the brand’s love for revolutionary designs.
There is a smooth connection between the strap, lugs, and clasp. Thanks to this connection, they ensure that the wristwatch remains clasped on your wrist.
Even with the huge size of this watch, it fits well. It is in no way a heavy piece. Plus, it doesn’t slide off towards your hand. In addition, the operating buttons come with non-slip rubber tops on titanium materials.
These parts have black PVD coatings. Moreover, the winding crown is adequately preserved but is still easy to grab and draw out. So, when you must make corrections to the date or fix the hands, this comes in handy.
Lastly, the ribbed covers on the chronograph’s angular push-pieces are another addition. With it, the stopwatch can be initiated soon enough.
The Dial Of The Hublot All Black Limited Edition
As soon as you cast your eyes on this watch’s dial, you will notice some amazing presence. They are the silvery brown, elapsed-seconds hand fixed at the center of the dial. They are shiny from afar. However, with a nearer look, you will discover that it comes with a fine satin coating.
This coating is a great addition. Hence, it reflects light in such a manner that the hand appears clearly regardless of the point of view.
Similarly, the hour and minute hands portray this same functional detail. You can always read The time without any hassle. Even when there is a lot of light coming off the sapphire crystal, it remains legible. Also, when this light hits the transparent dial, the movement underneath this dial still appears clearly.
This wristwatch features a seconds hand on a sub-dial set at the 9 o’clock position. Also, there are the delayed minutes counter fixed at the 3 o’clock position. Plus, the presence of the applied black calibrations appearing on the transparent dial. All of these are striking features on the dial that will catch the eye
The appearance of the dial is like glass. But, it is precisely a kind of carbon fiber. Placed right on top of the dial is a black ring. This black ring comes with a wreath of engraved minute markings. And, the hours’ markers come in matte black, micro-blasted coatings.
Similar to the hour and minute arrows, the hour hands come with black Super-LumiNova in them. Furthermore, there is the skeletonized date ring that revolves under the dial. While the date comes off between the 4 and 5 o’clock position. This is the point where the skeletonized figures run over a white plane. The resulting contrast is awesome.
Summary: Pros And Cons
Check out the pros of the Hublot All Black Limited Edition timepiece.
- In-house revolutionary movement
- Outstanding “fusion” structure
- Amazing rate, with or without the function of the chronograph
- Remarkable design with a touch of sleek wearing ease despite its huge size
- Comfortable and firm clasp and strap
Now, what are the setbacks of this particular timepiece?
- Legibility of certain functions is not the best
- Not the best of legibility at night
- Not the most affordable wristwatch
Which Will You Prefer Between The Two Watches?
Providing an answer to this question requires that you first read through all the information detailed in this text. Ensure you read through the text thoroughly. That way, you can get a feel of the various exceptions of both wristwatches.
Thereafter, you can relate these details to your priority and desires. Then, you can choose from these two. Your choice will be based on which of them has the features, and functions you need.