Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2019 Reference No: 15500ST Movement No: AL7465 Case No: TY6780X Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4302, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployment clasp Dimensions: 41mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet warranty card, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Since its inception in 1972, Gerald Genta’s design of the Royal Oak not only marked a critical junction for Audemars Piguet’s future, but also changed the notion of luxury sports watches. To this day, the Royal Oak remains as the brand’s most recognizable model and has seen numerous variations over the years. With a nautical inspiration, the Royal Oak is highly innovative and distinguished by its octagonal bezel and exposed screws, built upon the portholes on a naval ship and their naked bolt welds that hold them in place.
The present ref. 15500ST is a direct descendant of the model’s first iteration. Released in 2019, the fourth generation Royal Oak not only holds a more significant wrist presence with its larger and thicker 41mm case, but it is also equipped with a new and improved self-winding cal. 4302. Compared to its predecessor, the new caliber most notably has a longer power reserve function. Compared to the caliber 3120 which provided 60 hours, this version provides 70 hours.
Inheriting the model’s DNA, this timepiece features the most desirable beautiful blue ‘Tappisserie’ background with contrasting linier hands and indexes. The marriage of its texturised dial that delicately plays with light and brush-finished exterior creates the perfect balance between sport and splendour.
This timepiece is offered with all its original accessories and preserved in excellent condition, displaying its original sharp and crisp finishes and bevels. This sought-after and iconic gem can be dressed up or down, making it an ideal companion for any occasion.
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.