Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak reference 5402 was the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch with a fully integrated bracelet. Designed overnight in response to an urgent request for an ‘unprecedented steel watch’, it was at the same time the most expensive stainless steel watch ever made. Today the Royal Oak is a legend, accounting for over 80% of the brand’s sales. The brand sought famed designer Gerald Genta, who developed a brilliantly engineered, monobloc case, with a distinctively maritime feel, featuring an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal, white gold screws, and a dial with tapisserie motif.

The present example is a modern “Jumbo” representative of this landmark line of wristwatches. The reference 15202 was launched in 2000, and then updated in 2012 in celebration of the model’s 40th anniversary. It is powered by the same legendary caliber 2121 as the original; however this time, unlike to the original model, it can be admired through the sapphire caseback. Collectors consider the reference 15202 as the modern Royal Oak to have as it shares so many attributes with regards to case size, movement and overall looks to the now iconic reference 5402.

The reference 15202 is now discontinued, and the present lot accompanied by its Audemars Piguet guarantee dated 2006 and presentation box, is an opportunity to own one of these iconic timepieces.