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Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5402ST
Royal Oak
An iconic and early stainless steel “A-series” wristwatch with date and bracelet
Full-Cataloguing
- First generation Royal Oak “A Series”
- Featuring the original 39mm “Jumbo” case and integrated bracelet
- Signature Tapisserie dial with the “AP” logo at 6 o’clock
There are few watches as closely tied to Audemars Piguet as the Royal Oak. When it was introduced in 1972, it completely changed the idea of what a luxury sports watch could be. Made in stainless steel, with an integrated bracelet and a 39mm case, it was unusually large and expensive for its time, earning the nickname “Jumbo” that collectors still use today.
The Royal Oak was initially a risky idea for Audemars Piguet. A luxury sports watch in steel, with an integrated bracelet and a design this unconventional, was far removed from the traditional image of Swiss fine watchmaking. Yet that very decision is what made the watch so important. It established a new category and went on to become one of the most recognizable watches in the world.
The design came from Gérald Genta, who gave the Royal Oak its unmistakable octagonal bezel, eight hexagonal white gold screws and the now famous Tapisserie dial. What made the watch even more remarkable was what was inside. The ultra-thin calibre 2121 allowed Audemars Piguet to keep the watch remarkably slim despite its substantial presence on the wrist.
The present reference 5402 is an early “A Series” example, bearing the serial number A951. These first-generation Royal Oaks are particularly sought after, with details such as the “AP” logo positioned at 6 o’clock helping to distinguish them from the later B, C and D Series. It represents the Royal Oak in its earliest and most recognizable form.
More than fifty years later, the original reference 5402 still has a presence that is difficult to replicate. The present A Series example offers a direct connection to the very beginning of the Royal Oak story and to one of the most influential watches ever produced.
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.