Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 6005ST Case No: B44313 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Quartz, cal. 2511 Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 32mm width and 41mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet service papers dated April 2024.
Catalogue Essay
- Following the launch of the Royal Oak in 1972, Audemars Piguet steadfastly innovated its designs to keep up with the arrival of the quartz movement. In 1978, in response to a growing demand for a Quartz sports model, Audemars Piguet launched the reference 6005 - a daring and new piece in their catalog.
- While it shared similar design codes with the reference 5402 with its Royal Oak - like bracelet and petite tapisserie dial, the case was now rectangular rather than Octagonal. The horological community has always noted the resemblance of the reference 6005 to the Royal Oak, but it has never been known if it was officially a Royal Oak model. Research with the AP Chronicles states that "in the catalogues dated 1978 – 1979 and beyond, Model 6005 is never called a Royal Oak, but simply "Quartz"...they were therefore not Royal Oak watches, but "close relatives," to use Jacqueline Dimier's expression."
- The present example is the rarer jumbo version, which measures 32mm wide and 41mm long. Beating inside the ultra-thin timepiece is the caliber 2511. Most interestingly, the crown adjusts exclusively the hour hand. The minute hand is adjusted via a small inverted pusher in the center of the crown.
- The present example is preserved in excellent condition with the crisp edges throughout and the lug holes remain a good distance from the edge of the case. The bracelet displays sharp vertical finishes and the outside caseback displays a crisp case number.
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.