Audemars Piguet. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Bracelet
Audemars Piguet. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Bracelet

Signed Audemars Piguet, Automatic, Royal Oak A-Series Model, No. A 40, Circa 1972

Details
Audemars Piguet. A Fine Stainless Steel Automatic Wristwatch with Date and Bracelet
Signed Audemars Piguet, Automatic, Royal Oak A-Series Model, No. A 40, Circa 1972
Movement: Automatic, Cal. 2121, 37 jewels
Dial: Black textured, baton numerals, date
Case: Stainless steel, octagonal screwed bezel and engraved case back secured by eight screws
Bracelet/Clasp: Audemars Piguet stainless steel linked and deployant clasp, overall approximate length 6 inches

Lot Essay

In 1972, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak model in stainless steel. Designed by Gerald Genta, the watch featured an octagonal screwed bezel that was initially inspired by a ship's porthole. Audemars Piguet produced the Royal Oak in a series of 1000 watches, hoping that the model would appeal to customers of luxurious and limited edition watches. A second series of 1000 Royal Oak "A" serial numbers was produced before they progressed on to the "B" series and "C" series, and so on.

The present watch is part of the first 2000 Royal Oaks ever created, with the serial number "A 40". It has an original "A-series" dial, with the AP logo above the 6 o'clock, and reads "Swiss" below the 6 o'clock. The present watch is a fine example of a Royal Oak "A-Series" which is in excellent overall condition with sharp and defined case which maintains all of its original charm and integrity.

For the collector seeking the finest and most important examples of iconic watches, the present watch should not be missed. Quite simply and emphatically, there may never be another opportunity to purchase a Royal Oak A-series in this condition again.

For illustrations and descriptions of this reference, see Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 by "mstanga".


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