225 Audemars Piguet Very Rare and Extremely Important, Royal Oak, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Tapisserie Dial, Reference 5402ST

Estimate: €60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Sold (Premium)€70,200

Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 5402ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1974
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2121
Case N°: A-1251
Movement N°: 128747
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Box

When hearing the name Audemars Piguet, thoughts immediately go to the legendary Royal Oak. Iconic as very few other models have been in the history of horology, it is the umpteenth creation of the immortal designer Gerald Genta. Launched at Baselworld in 1972, it represented a real novelty in the Audemars universe as it was the brand’s first true sporting pride. It was the first luxury watch in steel with integrated bracelet in order to offer its customers a precious but at the same time sporty alternative. The present example is absolutely remarkable for its conservation: the whole bracelet and clasp are in excellent conditions and also the back still presents the case number engraved very crisp. The case and the immediately recognizable bezel are still maintaining their original proportions. The guilloché dial with a mini-“tapisserie” pattern — a texture found on all early Royal Oak dials — is still nice and well defined. It is decorated with applied baton indexes and the AP logo at 6, as correct for an A-Series models, while at 3 o’clock is located at the date window.