Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2018 Reference No: 15400OR Case No: K09652 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4302, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, stamped 1220, max overall length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet double deployant clasp Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet International Warranty card, wooden presentation box, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak 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 70% of the brand’s sales. The brand sought famed designer Gerald Genta, who developed a brilliantly engineered, monoblock case, with a distinctively maritime feel, featuring an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal, white gold screws, and a dial with tapisserie motif. Now an icon in the horological world, the Royal Oak has undergone many iterations and includes examples from simple time only versions to skeletonized Grande Complication models.
The Royal Oak reference 15400 was launched in 2012, and is the largest of the Royal Oak models with various other references measuring 39mm, 36mm and 33mm. The reference has a bold look, yet maintains the harmony and balanced design collectors have come to enjoy. The blue Grande Tapisserie dial complements the pink gold case superbly. The watch is in exceptional condition, probably only worn a handful of times, and remains in like-new condition. Today, this model is one of the most sought after in the market, and rarely seen at any boutique. Complete with its original box and international guarantee, this is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire an iconic Royal Oak wristwatch.
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.