Lot Essay
Offered in very good overall condition, it is hard to imagine a Royal Oak of more conspicuous rarity. The blue dial is quite sensational and of unparalleled beauty. Adding an further layer of desirability, the dial starts to tropicalize from the original blue to a a very light shimmering golden bronze colour.
Originally designed and produced only in steel, in 1977 Audemars Piguet decided to launch a limited number of their then already landmark Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ reference 5402 in white gold. Christened with the reference 5402BC, it rarely appears at auction. This reference 5402BC is no. 44 of only 150 believed to have been manufactured, rendering it one of the rarest variants of the Royal Oak model in its own right. Crafted from solid 18k gold, its weight is impressive when compared to the regular Royal Oak production stainless steel versions. Measuring 39 mm. in diameter, the model carries the sought-after mini ‘tapisserie’ patterned dial, a texture found on all early Royal Oak dials.
Collectors have long been discovering and researching the rarities from the last 50 years of production of the Royal Oak. Scarce early examples and those with highly attractive dials have captured the serious attention of watch enthusiasts. This watch presents a one-off opportunity for Royal Oak collectors to obtain one of the most alluring and distinctly unique examples of this much coveted white gold Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ with original diamond-set dial.
Originally designed and produced only in steel, in 1977 Audemars Piguet decided to launch a limited number of their then already landmark Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ reference 5402 in white gold. Christened with the reference 5402BC, it rarely appears at auction. This reference 5402BC is no. 44 of only 150 believed to have been manufactured, rendering it one of the rarest variants of the Royal Oak model in its own right. Crafted from solid 18k gold, its weight is impressive when compared to the regular Royal Oak production stainless steel versions. Measuring 39 mm. in diameter, the model carries the sought-after mini ‘tapisserie’ patterned dial, a texture found on all early Royal Oak dials.
Collectors have long been discovering and researching the rarities from the last 50 years of production of the Royal Oak. Scarce early examples and those with highly attractive dials have captured the serious attention of watch enthusiasts. This watch presents a one-off opportunity for Royal Oak collectors to obtain one of the most alluring and distinctly unique examples of this much coveted white gold Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ with original diamond-set dial.