143
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5402ST
Royal Oak "A Series"
An early and attractive stainless steel automatic “A-Series” wristwatch with date and bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF40,000 - 80,000€43,100 - 86,200$48,900 - 97,900
CHF76,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- 1974
- Reference No
- 5402ST
- Movement No
- 128'602
- Case No
- A1270
- Model Name
- Royal Oak "A Series"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2121, 38 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 39mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The introduction of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972 revolutionized the watch industry, marking the birth of the luxury sports watch category. Unveiled at the Basel Fair, the Royal Oak caused an immediate sensation with its bold design and unprecedented concept. At the time, it was the most expensive steel wristwatch ever made, housing the ultra-slim caliber 2121, based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920—a movement that would later power the Patek Philippe Nautilus. Today, the Royal Oak remains one of the most iconic and collectable timepieces in watchmaking history, with early examples being especially sought after.
The reference 5402, the original Royal Oak, was produced over 25 years with a total of 6,050 examples made across four batches: A, B, C, and D, each with subtle design variations. The "A Series," produced between 1972 and 1974, consisted of approximately 2,000 pieces and represents the very first iteration of this groundbreaking model. The present "A Series" Royal Oak, sold in 1974 according to the brand's archive, is a remarkable example of this iconic reference, offered in well-preserved condition with a strong case and sharp bezel. Featuring all period-correct components, it boasts a beautifully aged blue dial with the applied “AP” logo at 6 o’clock and a SWISS-only inscription. The luminous material on the hands and indexes has developed a rich dark yellow patina, while the dial has aged gracefully, displaying subtle copper-toned tropical details near the applied markers.
Research with the manufacture states the watch was sold in 1974.
The reference 5402, the original Royal Oak, was produced over 25 years with a total of 6,050 examples made across four batches: A, B, C, and D, each with subtle design variations. The "A Series," produced between 1972 and 1974, consisted of approximately 2,000 pieces and represents the very first iteration of this groundbreaking model. The present "A Series" Royal Oak, sold in 1974 according to the brand's archive, is a remarkable example of this iconic reference, offered in well-preserved condition with a strong case and sharp bezel. Featuring all period-correct components, it boasts a beautifully aged blue dial with the applied “AP” logo at 6 o’clock and a SWISS-only inscription. The luminous material on the hands and indexes has developed a rich dark yellow patina, while the dial has aged gracefully, displaying subtle copper-toned tropical details near the applied markers.
Research with the manufacture states the watch was sold in 1974.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.