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

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  • 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.

  • 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. 5402
An extremely rare and well preserved yellow gold wristwatch with bracelet retailed by "Tiffany & Co."

1977
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€93,200-186,000
$108,000-216,000

Sold for CHF302,400

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