
Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak 15500ST
Ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01
New Price
$24k–$26k
Pre-owned: $35k–$50k
Comparing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST ($24k–$26k, 50m WR, 41mm) against the Rolex Submariner Date ($9k–$10k, 300m WR, 41mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Rolex Submariner Date is the more affordable option by $15k.
Complete head-to-head comparison

Audemars Piguet
Ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01
New Price
$24k–$26k
Pre-owned: $35k–$50k

Rolex
Ref. 126610
New Price
$9k–$10k
Pre-owned: $13k–$17k
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All Audemars Piguet watches, comparisons, and guides in one place
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Visit Rolex Pillar Page →Rolex Submariner Date is the value winner at $9k–$10k — over 50% cheaper than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST ($24k–$26k). Choose Rolex Submariner Date (300m WR) for diving; Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST (50m) suits everyday wear.
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Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST offers comparable sizing and costs more new. The Rolex Submariner Date excels in water resistance. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST retails for $24k–$26k, while the Rolex Submariner Date is priced at $9k–$10k. Pre-owned, expect $35k–$50k and $13k–$17k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST has a 41mm case diameter with 10.4mm thickness, while the Rolex Submariner Date measures 41mm × 12.9mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 48mm and 48mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST is water-resistant to 50m, while the Rolex Submariner Date offers 300m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST uses a automatic Cal. 4302 with 60 hours power reserve. The Rolex Submariner Date features a automatic Cal. 3235 with 70 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.
Audemars Piguet and Rolex both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $35k–$50k for the Royal Oak 15500ST and $13k–$17k for the Submariner Date. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.
The only watch worn on the Moon. The Speedmaster was NASA-qualified in 1965 and accompanied every Apollo mission.
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Rolex's sister brand, delivering in-house movements at 30–60% lower retail prices than its parent.
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Motorsport's official timekeeper for over 50 years — TAG Heuer has timed Formula 1, Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Invented the quartz movement (1969), the kinetic movement (1988), and the spring drive (1999) — more watch innovations than any other single company.
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