Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 5402BA Movement No: 173'959 Case No: No. 160 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18k gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121 Bracelet/Strap: 18k gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max. length 175mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Audemars Piguet creme leather fitted presentation box, Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre, polish cloth and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The name Royal Oak will draw any watch collectors attention because it has over the last 45 years been associated with one of the most sought after watches known. Audemars Piguet along with their competitors in the 1970s sought to attract new and old business with a more modern updated watch that was rugged, masculine and looked as stylish in the boardroom, as it did outside on a hunt. Introduced in 1972, the first ‘A’ series Royal Oak were made in stainless steel and featured a massive 39mm diameter case. While the initial response was lackluster, the model soon became a modern master, and the firm introduced successive series. In 1977, Audemars Piguet introduced the first gold model, the reference 5402BA. Production continued until the early 1980s, and the watch featured a heavy gold case and bracelet with a sporty air. The present example is nicely preserved, and a lovely example of this signature watches.
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.