Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII Geneva Saturday, May 8, 2021 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 5402ST
    Movement No: 159'322
    Case No: 99954 and B1954
    Model Name: Royal Oak "B Series"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate de Garantie dated April 14, 1978, service papers dated March 13, 2006, Bucherer service papers and service Guarantee dated April 18, 2018, additional links and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today, causing an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. At the time the most expensive steel wristwatch available, it most notably housed the extra slim caliber 2121 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, that would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch. Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with early examples being exceedingly popular and collectible.

    The Royal Oak model reference 5402 has been produced in four different batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each subtly different. Presented in excellent condition, the present "B series" Royal Oak is a rare and extremely sought after Audemars Piguet. It is thought that from the original "A-series" production, 2000 pieces were manufactured, while the total production of "B-series" was just 1000 examples.The dial is preserved in excellent condition with the AP logo at 6 o'clock as correctly found on any A and B Series as well as some C Series, furthermore upon closer inspection one can also notice that the clasp is stamped Audemars Piguet.

  • Artist Biography

    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.

    View More Works

147

Ref. 5402ST
A well-preserved and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, guarantee and presentation box

1978
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€36,300-72,600
$43,600-87,100

Sold for CHF170,100

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

 

 

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIII

Geneva Auction 8 - 9 May 2021