Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1992 Reference No: 56175ST Movement No: 380’059 Case No: D21401, No. 1632 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Quartz, cal. 2612, 8 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp stamped Gay Freres Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet certificate dated 24th November 1992, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
While the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has enjoyed a prosperous line up of models and complications over the years, collectors have since shifted their attention to looking out for forgotten references that bear the firm’s iconic octagonal-shaped case. This is the case for the reference 56175 which can be found in tantalum, gold, two-tone or stainless steel. With a case measuring 33 mm in diameter, the model is powered by the firm’s quartz cal. 2612 allowing for an extremely thin case profile produced from 1990s.
Small but mighty, the Royal Oak ref. 56175 is a hassle-free Gerald Genta design that combines comfort and playfulness. Afterall, you cannot go wrong with an ultra-slim stainless steel sports watch with an attractive dial, furthermore the Royal Oaks from the 90s radiates a charm that cannot be found in modern counterparts. Offered by the original owner, the present timepiece is an attractive example from circa 1992 accompanied with its original certificate and presentation box.
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.