116
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 16202BC.OO.1240BC.02
Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin
A virtually new, unworn white gold automatic wristwatch with date, bracelet, warranty, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Released in 2023 featuring updated caliber 7121
• Textured blue dial inspired by 20th anniversary platinum Royal Oak dating to 1992
• Virtually new condition, complete set, and fresh-to-the-market
• First-ever appearance at auction for the configuration
After releasing an updated Royal Oak reference, the 16202, in 2022 with a new movement to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the model, Audemars Piguet neglected one case material in the bevvy of releases that year – white gold. It was therefore a surprise when, only the next year they surprised collectors by introducing a white gold Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin – with an interesting dial familiar to longtime collectors and enthusiasts of the brand.
Referred to by the brand as a “grainy effect” blue dial, it effectively evokes the “Tuscan” textured dials of the 80s and 90s, and most directly, the textured surface of the reference 14802, the Royal Oak “Jubilee” released in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Only 20 pieces were made in platinum, with deliveries spanning 5 years beginning in 1995 and there were two dial options with an unknown distribution between the two.
At the time of cataloguing, this is the first 16202BC to appear at public auction. It appears completely unworn, with all its original finishing, from the collection of the original owner with its full set of accessories.
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.