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159

Audemars Piguet

Ref. 5402ST

Royal Oak "D Series"

A highly rare and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000
€27,800 - 46,300
$32,700 - 54,500
CHF88,200
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Audemars Piguet
Year
Circa 1978
Reference No
5402ST
Movement No
198'395
Case No
D 1085 and B28872
Model Name
Royal Oak "D Series"
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions
39mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Authenticity and Exclusivity Certificate and service invoice.
Catalogue Essay
The Audemars Piguet reference 5402 better known as the “Jumbo” Royal Oak is undoubtedly one of the most coveted watches on the market especially if the watch is part of the “A Series” meaning it was part of the first batch of watches produced.

However, whereas the A series gets most of the attention a much more elusive version exists and which very rarely appears on the market, the reference 5402 “D Series” like the present model.

When the Royal Oak was launched in 1972 it created a genre unknown to the market: the luxury sports watch, and its design (from the genius pen stroke of Gerald Genta) has become iconic.

The reference 5402 was made in 4 batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each subtly different. The “D Series” harbors all the design elements that collectors have come to love about the reference 5402 such as the large 39mm slim case, tapisserie dial and unmistakable bracelet, however upon closer inspection one can notice that the clasp is stamped AP and not Audemars Piguet as found on the A and B Series. However, what sets the watch truly apart is the dial, the AP logo is at 12 o’clock whereas in the A, B and majority of C Series the AP logo is at 6 o’clock.

Finally, according to scholarship the D series is the rarest of the reference 5402 as it is believed that less than 1000 were made.

A “D Series” rarely graces the international auction market, the present example in overall very appealing condition with a strong case and crisp dial offers an unmissable opportunity to acquire one of the rarest versions of the original Royal Oak.

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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