Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: X Geneva Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1975
    Reference No: 5402ST
    Movement No: 147'518
    Case No: A1157 and 99'133
    Model Name: Royal Oak "A Series"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming production of the present watch on May 15, 1975 and its sale to Asia.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today. Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, it caused an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. It was 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.

    Known as the "A Series", the present watch is the original Royal Oak model produced in the 1970s. Offered in unpolished condition, the present "A series" Royal Oak is an astonishing specimen and one of the most impressive examples to appear on the market in recent years. One can only glance at the protruding angles on the bevels to understand that this timepiece displays factory finishes. The bracelet displays sharp, decisive vertical finishes, which could only be original to the timepiece. Furthermore, the case is incredibly thick and the reverse of the watch displays a sand blasted finish.

    The dial is furthermore preserved in excellent condition, with minuscule flecks of copper in places, adding to its charisma and charm.

    Research furthermore shows that this timepiece was destined for Asia.

  • 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.

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170

Ref. 5402ST
A highly rare and extremely well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet

1975
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€37,500-75,100
$41,600-83,200

Sold for CHF102,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: X

Geneva Auction 9-10 November 2019