Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1975
    Reference No: 5402ST
    Movement No: 212'232
    Case No: 80'427 and A1427
    Model Name: Royal Oak "A series"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract confirming production of the present watch on December 19, 1974 and that the original movement was changed at an unknown date.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today. Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, it caused an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. It was at the time the most expensive steel wristwatch available. It most notably housed the extra slim caliber 2121, which would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch. Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with early examples being exceedingly popular and collectible.

    Known as the "A Series", the present watch is among the first batch of Royal Oaks ever produced. It is most notably distinguished by its original condition, which is remarkable as many existing examples now have service parts. The "Swiss" signed dial has taken a "tropical" appearance over time, and the hands and markers have aged with warm patina. The bracelet with the "flat clasp" is original, as is the smooth unsigned crown, which is correct for the period.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.

    Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.

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Ref. 5402ST
A rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with tobacco "tropical" dial, date and bracelet

Circa 1975
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF18,000 - 25,000 
€15,800-22,000
$18,400-25,600

Sold for CHF47,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018