Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1977 Reference No: 5402 Movement No: 172'256 Case No: B12807 caseback further stamped N°58 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet measuring 175mm max. Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
According to Audemars Piguet archives the watch was produced in 1977 and sold to the American market.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5402 ticks so many boxes with collectors. It holds its iconic status thanks to the fact that it was the very first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever created (a model that set the trend for years to come). However, apart from the model’s historical importance, its incredible well balanced design, timeless good looks and slim movement should also be underlined.
In 1977, five years after the launch of the steel model, Audemars Piguet presented an ultra-luxurious yellow gold version with a drop dead gorgeous grey dial. The additional champagne disc for the date was a subtle and elegant touch. The gold livery of the Royal Oak Nautilus added even more flair, sophistication and suave cool to an already amazing watch regardless of the metal. Made until early 1980s the reference 5402 is a rare bird that hardly appears in an international auction room.
The present example bears number 058 making it one of the earlier examples made.
The rarity of the present 5402 is taken to Himalayan heights thanks to the 10 letters printed right above the AP logo at 6 o’clock: Tiffany & Co.
To the best of our knowledge only another gold 5402 with Tiffany &Co signature is known.
Not only is the present watch achingly beautiful and rare, it is also preserved in incredible condition with very sharp and crisp angles on the bezel, case and bracelet, making it a collector’s dream that should not be passed as finding another example – especially in this condition- would be almost mission impossible.
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.
