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Lot Essay
According to Audemars Piguet archives the present watch was sold in 1977 to Africa.
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972 and it was a game-changer for the luxury watch industry. Based upon a design by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury steel watch with integrated bracelet. Priced at a level above gold watches, it was a polarizing watch and it was unknown whether it would be a success. However, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the "A-Series" sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the "B-Series" and "C-Series", with all being numbered on the case back.
This particular example comes from the "C-Series", but notably features a dial with "AP" located above 6 o'clock. This dial was found on the A-Series watches and some were placed on B-Series and C-Series watches. An icon of watch design, the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST continues to gain popularity with collectors. This example is notable for its excellent condition and the fact it has the same dial as found on the original A-Series Royal Oaks. It is furthermore distinguished by its attractive dial, originally slate grey, faded into an appealing brownish shade giving a unique personality to this watch.
Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972 and it was a game-changer for the luxury watch industry. Based upon a design by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury steel watch with integrated bracelet. Priced at a level above gold watches, it was a polarizing watch and it was unknown whether it would be a success. However, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the "A-Series" sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the "B-Series" and "C-Series", with all being numbered on the case back.
This particular example comes from the "C-Series", but notably features a dial with "AP" located above 6 o'clock. This dial was found on the A-Series watches and some were placed on B-Series and C-Series watches. An icon of watch design, the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST continues to gain popularity with collectors. This example is notable for its excellent condition and the fact it has the same dial as found on the original A-Series Royal Oaks. It is furthermore distinguished by its attractive dial, originally slate grey, faded into an appealing brownish shade giving a unique personality to this watch.