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104

Audemars Piguet

Ref. 5402ST

Royal Oak “A Series”

An early and attractive stainless steel “A Series” wristwatch with date and Gay Frères bracelet

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Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak was the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch with a fully integrated bracelet. Designed overnight in response to an urgent request for an “unprecedented steel watch,” it was at the same time the most expensive stainless steel watch ever made. The brand sought famed designer Gérald Genta, who developed a brilliantly engineered monobloc case, with a distinctively maritime feel, featuring an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, and a dial with a tapisserie motif. The watch became known among collectors as the “Jumbo” due to the 39mm diameter case, which at the time was considered large compared to standard gentlemen’s dress watches, most of which measured between 33 and 35 mm in diameter.

The Royal Oak model reference 5402 was produced in four different series: A, B, C, and D with small design details that made each subtly different. Presented in excellent condition, the present "A series" Royal Oak is a rare and sought-after early example. The factory service dial is preserved in excellent condition and features the AP logo at six o'clock as correctly found on all A and B Series.

The Royal Oak is an icon within the world of horology and the present example is nicely aged. Fresh-to-the-market and offered by the family of the original owner, it is a model with a timeless aesthetic and an excellent addition to all collections.

PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER

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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