Audemars Piguet - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1978
    Reference No: 5402BC
    Movement No: 174’433
    Case No: No. 7
    Model Name: Royal Oak “Jumbo”
    Material: 18K white gold and diamond
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max overall length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Audemars Piguet certificate, Extract confirming production of the present watch in 1978, instruction manual, leather presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak stands as one of the defining wristwatch designs of the 20th century. Released at the height of the quartz crisis, this groundbreaking steel timepiece—priced higher than any other in its category—was initially expected by many to lead the company into financial ruin. Yet, over the past five decades, the Royal Oak has become the driving force behind Audemars Piguet’s success, evolving into its signature product line.

    The current offering, an 18-karat white gold Royal Oak, is among the rarest iterations of the original reference 5402, affectionately known as the “Jumbo.” Measuring 39mm in diameter, the watch’s iconic octagonal bezel is secured by mirror-polished white gold hexagonal screws, which create a striking visual contrast against the brushed finish of the bezel.

    This particular 5402 is one of the earliest white gold "Jumbo" Royal Oaks, distinguished by the No.7 engraved on the caseback. Its dial features discreet diamond hour markers that subtly illuminate the design without overwhelming its elegance. Adding to its allure is the exquisite "tropical" golden hue of the dial—a highly coveted and rare characteristic.

    The present lot is fresh-to-market, recently acquired by the consignor directly from the original owner. Offered as a complete set, which is exceptionally rare given its age, this piece includes its original Audemars Piguet certificate, manuals, a recently ordered extract (2024), and the original octagonal leather presentation box with outer packaging.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

    View More Works

143

Ref. 5402BC
A rare and attractive white gold wristwatch, with tropical dial, diamond-set indexes, integrated bracelet, original certificate of sale, extract, manual, and presentation boxes, numbered 7

1978
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF52,700-105,000
€56,800-114,000
HK$467,000-934,000

Sold for $139,700

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024