Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2016 Reference No: 15202ST Movement No: 979'589 Case No: J10800-6891 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet fitted box, outer packaging, Warranty dated December 10, 2016, Register Certificate, and instructions for use.
Catalogue Essay
Audemars Piguet’s ref. 15202 is a direct descendant of the original Royal Oak ref 5402 from 1972 designed by Gerald Genta.
Aesthetically almost identical to the original model in terms of overall looks and movement, the ref. 15202 is considered by collectors as the modern Royal Oak to own, even more so since the announcement of the discontinuation of this model in early 2021.
Originally launched in 1972, the watch had a 39mm steel case housing the slim automatic caliber 2121 (which at the time was the world’s thinnest automatic caliber of only 2.45mm thick). The present example is a modern representative of this landmark line of wristwatches. Reference 15202 was launched in 2000, and then again re-issued in 2012 in celebration of the model’s 40th anniversary and is powered by the same caliber 2121 which this time, contrary to the original model, can be admired through the sapphire caseback.
Two dial variants exist in this reference, with the AP at 12 o’clock for earlier models and the AP at the lower part of the dial, like the original ref 5402.
The present Royal Oak is in extremely well-preserved condition and complete with all its accessories.
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.
