SIGNED AUDEMARS PIGUET, ROYAL OAK MODEL, REF. 5402BC, NO. 29, CIRCA 1977

Fresh to the market, it is hard to imagine a Royal Oak of more conspicuous rarity. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the only example of a white gold reference 5402 with diamond dial that is so fully and evenly tropicalized. The dial is quite sensational and of unparalleled beauty, having tropicalized from the original black to a shimmering golden bronze colour fading to leave an even darker outer edge. Adding an further layer of desirability, the dial type is the seldom-seen ‘Mark 1’ that was in use before 1980 on which the round diamonds are set in circular white gold settings. From around 1980 onwards, the round diamonds are set in square-shaped settings.

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’ ref. 5402 in white gold. Christened with the reference 5402BC, it rarely appears at auction. This reference 5402BC with tropicalized dial is no. 29 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 tropical 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.