Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST vs Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B
| Specification | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST | Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Audemars Piguet | Blancpain |
| Collection | Royal Oak | Villeret |
| Reference | 15551ST.ZZ.1356ST.01 | 6670-3642-55B |
| Category | Dress | GMT |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Audemars Piguet 5900 | Caliber 67A5 |
| Power Reserve | 60h | 72h |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Case Diameter | 37.0mm | 40.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 9.8mm | 12.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k Rose Gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 50m / 164ft | 30m / 98ft |
| Weight | 122g | 80g |
| MSRP | $28,600 | $28,900 |
| Market Price | $32,000 | $24,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
Audemars Piguet and Blancpain are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Royal Oak reference was introduced in 2022, while this Villeret reference debuted in 2018. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST beats the Audemars Piguet 5900 caliber offering a 60-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 28 jewels. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B is powered by the Caliber 67A5 with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 32 jewels. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B wins on power reserve with a 12-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST features a 37.0mm case at 9.8mm thick with a 44.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B comes in at 40.0mm and 12.5mm thick with 47.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 80g, the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished, double stepped bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST comes on a Stainless steel bracelet with AP fold-over clasp, while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B is fitted with Brown alligator leather strap featuring 18k rose gold folding clasp.
Water Resistance And Capability
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST is rated to 50m / 164ft and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B to 30m / 98ft. For serious diving or water activities, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST offers a meaningful advantage.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST lists for $28,600 compared to $28,900 for the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST trades around $32,000 while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B commands approximately $24,000. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST trades at a 12% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Annuel GMT 6670-3642-55B ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding 37mm 15551ST is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.