SIGNED AUDEMARS PIGUET, ROYAL OAK 'A SERIES' MODEL, REF. 5402ST, NO. A 710, CIRCA 1974

Examples of the original Royal Oak ‘A Series’ are increasingly hard to obtain as one of the great classic ‘must-have’ watches for the serious collector. An ‘A Series’ with colour-change ‘tropical’ dial such as the present watch is an extreme rarity and a highlight for those seeking important specimens of iconic watch models. Each colour-change dial is of course unique in appearance due to the natural and unpredictable aging process of individual dials. The dial surface has aged from black to a highly attractive tone, some parts have preserved a darker shade whereas the remaining surface shows a nearly uniform bronze-gold tone depending on the position in which the watch is held. The luminous material to the indexes and hands has aged to a pleasing mellow shade that perfectly harmonizes with the aging of the dial.

An iconic model of the Audemars Piguet Manufacture, the Royal Oak 'A-series' can be considered as part of the most collectible luxury sport timepieces. Designed by the celebrated Gérald Genta, and later qualified the masterpiece of his career, the Royal Oak secured a discerning and informed audience and became throughout the years the emblem of the Manufacture. The present watch is part of the first 2000 'A-series' Royal Oaks ever created, with the serial number 'A 710', the 710 piece to be made.