# Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Blue Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Blue is a pinnacle luxury sports watch defined by its iconic octagonal bezel with polished hexagonal screws, satin-brushed and polished stainless steel case and integrated bracelet, and a captivating blue Grande Tapisserie dial with applied indices, small seconds subdial, and date window; it targets affluent enthusiasts and collectors seeking timeless elegance blended with rugged versatility; standout features include the revolutionary 1972 Gerald Genta design and the manufacture Calibre 4302 automatic movement with 70-hour power reserve.

## Overall Watch Rating: 8.5/10.0

**Brand Metric (9.9/10.0)** - Audemars Piguet's haute horlogerie status and exclusive production rival Patek Philippe in prestige and craftsmanship.
**Dials & Design Metric (9.9/10.0)** - The Genta octagonal iconography and intricate blue tapisserie pattern establish an unmatched standard matched only by the Patek Nautilus.
**Material Metric (9.9/10.0)** - Premium 904L-like steel with exceptional brushing/polishing and double AR-coated sapphire exceeds typical luxury benchmarks like Rolex Oystersteel.
**History & Innovation Metric (9.9/10.0)** - As the 1972 pioneer of steel luxury sports watches, it transformed the industry much like the original Rolex Submariner did for tool watches.
**Movement Metric (9.7/10.0)** - The in-house Calibre 4302 delivers superior finishing, 70-hour reserve, and reliability on par with top Omega co-axials.
**Versatility Metric (9.4/10.0)** - Seamlessly transitions from boardroom to yacht deck, outperforming dressier options like the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
**Rarity Metric (8.9/10.0)** - At its price point and moderate production run, it holds scarcity comparable to limited Tudor Black Bay editions.
**Functions Metric (4.5/10.0)** - Basic time, date, and small seconds provide everyday utility akin to a standard Datejust but lack advanced utility.
**Complications Metric (4.0/10.0)** - Sole date complication falls short of multi-function peers like the IWC Portugieser chronographs.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 7.8

## WM Collector Grade: A

## Performance Insights: Excels in brand prestige, design innovation, materials, and movement quality while basic complications and functions temper complexity; delivers strong value against an implied price of $18,500 despite premium retail positioning.

## TPS Interpretation: Solid Value: The watch punches above its price with iconic design and heritage, ideal for long-term appreciation despite limited complications.

## Watch Data
[https://www.audemarspiguet.com/dam/jcr:3f4eabf1-8b5d-4f0a-9b0f-5f1e2d3c4b5a/15500ST.OO.1220ST.03_Front.jpg] - [Front image of Royal Oak blue dial]; [https://www.audemarspiguet.com/dam/jcr:3f4eabf1-8b5d-4f0a-9b0f-5f1e2d3c4b5a/15500ST.OO.1220ST.03_Back.jpg] - [Back image showing sapphire caseback]; [https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AP-RO-blue-lume.jpg] - [Lume on markers and hands glowing brightly]; [Nickname] - [Royal Oak Blue]; [Brand] - [Audemars Piguet]; [Model] - [Royal Oak Selfwinding]; [Country] - [Switzerland]; [Product Link] - [https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/collections/royal-oak/products/royal-oak-selfwinding-41-mm-steel-blue-dial-ref-15500st-oo-1220st-03]; [reviewLink] - [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-15500st-hands-on]; [Movement Type] - [Automatic]; [Movement Name] - [Calibre 4302]; [# Secondary] - [1]; [watchDescription] - [Iconic luxury steel sports watch with blue Grande Tapisserie dial, octagonal case, integrated bracelet]; [caseWidth] - [41]; [lugToLugLength] - [48.9]; [thickness] - [10.7]; [lug] - [20]; [waterResist] - [50]; [powerReserve] - [70]; [beatFrequency] - [28800]; [lume] - [Super-LumiNova]; [jewels] - [32]; [caseMaterial] - [Stainless Steel]; [watchGlass] - [Sapphire anti-reflective]; [Bezel] - [Octagonal stainless steel satin-polished with screws]; [caseback] - [Sapphire display]; [Crown] - [Screw-down stainless steel]; [Strap] - [Integrated stainless steel bracelet]; [Shape] - [Octagonal]; [Dial] - [Blue Grande Tapisserie]; [Seconds] - [yes]; [Date] - [yes]; [Calendar] - [no]; [Chiming] - [no]; [Chronograph] - [no]; [Compass] - [no]; [dateCompilation] - [yes]; [DigitalDisplay] - [no]; [Dress] - [no]; [Field] - [no]; [GMT] - [no]; [Mechanical Alarm] - [no]; [Moonphase] - [no]; [Tourbillon] - [no]; [worldTimer] - [no]; [powerReserveIndicator] - [no]; [Diver] - [no]; [Pilot] - [no]; [racing] - [no]; [Skeleton] - [no]; [Vintage] - [no]; [StyleFormal] - [yes]; [StyleCasual] - [yes]; [StyleSports] - [yes]; [StyleTravel] - [no]; [StyleAdventure] - [no]; [StyleCollector] - [yes]; [StyleTool] - [no]; [StyleStatement] - [yes]; [StyleVintage] - [no]; [StyleSmart] - [no]; [StyleCustom] - [no]; [TPS_new] - [7.8]; [TPSgrade] - [A]; [TPSimpliedPrice] - [18500];

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**