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Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5402BC
Royal Oak “Jumbo”
A well preserved and attractive white gold wristwatch with diamond-set indexes and bracelet, one of 150 pieces made
Full-Cataloguing
- Time only with date
- Only 150 pieces in white gold ever made
- In excellent condition
Whereas the Royal Oak reference 5402 was introduced in stainless steel in 1972 the white gold variant, ref 5402BC was officially introduced in 1977 (a first example was made in 1972 for the Shah of Iran).
The present Royal Oak in 18-karat white gold is amongst the rarest variants of the original reference 5402 – the affectionately named “Jumbo”. Produced in very small quantities, this specimen is the 111th example of only 150 to have been manufactured by the firm in white gold – as confirmed by the AP Chronicles. According to the same source of the 150 pieces made 10 were later transformed into ref 4187BC between 1979 and 1991.
Crafted out of solid 18-karat gold, and in extremely well preserved condition, its luxurious heft is dramatic, especially when compared to the regular production stainless steel versions. Measuring 39mm in diameter, its iconic octagonal bezel is secured with mirror-polished white gold hexagonal screws that provide attractive, eye-catching contrast to the brushed polished bezel. The surface of the black dial features a guilloché mini-“tapisserie” pattern – a texture resembling small square cobblestones which is found on all early Royal Oak dials. It is adorned with tasteful diamond hour markers whose unobtrusive presence manages to light up the dial without it feeling cumbersome.
The 5402BC, like other similar models with gemset dials has tritium free baton hands.
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.