Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1972
    Reference No: 5402ST
    Movement No: 127’083
    Case No: 67'040 caseback stamped A 40
    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 stamped

  • Catalogue Essay

    According to Audemars Piguet archives the present watch was made in 1972 and sold to Switzerland.

    The present Royal Oak ref 5402 “A Series” is exciting in so many ways. Not only is it in absolutely superb condition with a very well preserved case and a stunning dial but it also bears the case number 40 making it one of the first ever examples made of this iconic model.

    In a way it is one of the forefathers of a genre – the luxury sports watch – that Audemars Piguet invented with the Royal Oak.

    Looking back to 50 years ago, one can be surprised that upon its launch in 1972, the Royal Oak caused an immediate sensation. Like all novel ideas, the watch was greeted with skepticism, it was a watch the likes of which had not been seen before and to top it all, it was a stainless steel watch more expensive than any gold model in Audemars Piguet’s catalogue!

    The Royal Oak model reference 5402 was produced in four different batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each subtly different.

    The present “A Series”, like all other ref 5402 models, houses 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 is considered the ultimate embodiment of the luxury sports watch and remains as iconic as ever, with early examples such as the present one bearing case number 40 being exceedingly popular and collectible.

  • 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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Ref. 5402ST
A rare, early and well preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet

1972
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet stamped

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€56,100-112,000
$65,300-131,000

Sold for CHF132,300

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021