Revolutionary octagonal bezel luxury sports watch
Luxury sport watches bridge the gap between tool watches and haute horlogerie. Models like the Nautilus and Royal Oak created the luxury sports watch category in the 1970s, proving that a steel watch could command gold-level prices through superior design and finishing.
Sport watch buyers should consider the integrated bracelet design (a hallmark of the category), water resistance adequate for daily wear (100m+), movement robustness including anti-magnetic properties, and overall case/bracelet finishing. The best examples feature hand-finished movements despite their sporty exterior.
The luxury sport watch is arguably the most versatile category in modern watchmaking. An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Patek Philippe Nautilus is appropriate with everything from shorts to a suit. This versatility drives both demand and resale values.
Audemars Piguet has shifted to a direct-to-consumer model, reducing authorized dealers significantly. New Royal Oak models are extremely scarce at retail. AP Houses (brand-owned boutiques) are the primary sales channel, and establishing a relationship is essential for accessing popular models.
With 4 models in the collection, choosing the right Royal Oak depends on your priorities. For the best long-term value, the 15510ST.OO.1320ST.01 (Steel/Blue 41mm) leads with a Value Score of 84/100, reflecting superior value retention and market demand.
For the lowest cost of ownership, the 15510ST.OO.1320ST.02 (Steel/Black 41mm) costs just $208/year to own — factoring in depreciation, servicing, and insurance. This makes it the most efficient choice for daily wearing pleasure.
The table below ranks every current model. Click any reference number for full analysis including price history, Value Score breakdown, and our personalized "Should I Buy?" calculator.
| Ref | Variant | Market Price | Retail | Own/Yr | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15510ST.OO.1320ST.01 | Steel/Blue 41mm | $45,000–$60,000 | $32,900 | $225/yr | 84 |
| 26240ST.OO.1320ST.06 | Steel/Chrono Blue | $70,000–$95,000 | $52,200 | $285/yr | 84 |
| 15510ST.OO.1320ST.02 | Steel/Black 41mm | $38,000–$50,000 | $32,900 | $208/yr | 82 |
| 15510OR.OO.1320OR.01 | Rose Gold/Blue 41mm | $60,000–$80,000 | $68,500 | $2570/yr | 74 |
See all Audemars Piguet collections and Value Scores.