Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2006 Reference No: 15300OR Movement No: 641’635 Case No: F59’863, No. 0840 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3120, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
- When legendary designer Gérald Genta was tasked with creating an “unprecedented steel watch” in 1972, he conceived the brilliantly engineered Royal Oak overnight. This groundbreaking timepiece featured an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet crafted from stainless steel - a first in luxury watchmaking.
- With its maritime-inspired monobloc case secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, the audaciously priced Royal Oak was nicknamed the “Jumbo” for its unusually large 39mm diameter. It kickstarted one of watchmaking’s most revered lineages.
- In 2005, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak ref. 15300, ushering in a new era with the self-winding cal. 3120. A technical tour de force, this in-house movement delivered 60 hours of power reserve, an innovative date mechanism, and free-sprung balance.
- At 39mm, the ref. 15300 remained faithful to the proportions of the original. Discontinued in 2012, it was succeeded by the larger 41mm Royal Oak ref. 15400 for a more contemporary presence.
- The present ref. 15300 in pink gold is in splendid overall condition, its flawless white dial and crisp case epitomize the model's perfect balance of iconic elegance and modern ingenuity. For many, this reference encapsulates the essence of the Royal Oak legacy.
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.