The name Royal Oak will draw any watch collectors attention because it has over the last 45 years been associated with one of the most sought after watches known. Audemars Piguet along with their competitors in the 1970s sought to attract new and old business with a more modern updated watch that was rugged, masculine and looked as stylish in the boardroom, as it did outside on a hunt. Introduced in 1972, the first ‘A’ series Royal Oak were made in stainless steel and featured a massive 39mm diameter case. While the initial response was lackluster, the model soon became a modern master, and the firm introduced successive series. In 1977, Audemars Piguet introduced the first gold model, the reference 5402BA. Production continued until the early 1980s, and the watch featured a heavy gold case and bracelet with a sporty air. The present example is nicely preserved, and a lovely example of this signature watches.