194 Audemars Piguet Highly Historical and Well Preserved, Royal Oak, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Tapisserie Dial, Reference 5402ST
Estimate: € 40,000 – 80,000
Sold (Premium)€44,200
Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 5402ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1979
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2121
Case N°: C1895
Movement N°: 197 665
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
The Royal Oak 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 and since its inception was produced in a variety of materials including full gold, platinum, tantalum, and often embellished with precious stones: the versatility of the Royal Oak helped make it a model adored by the brand’s elite clientele. Anyway, among all these different iterations, the most iconic surely remains the reference 5402 in steel, the first ever manufactured by Audemars. Introduced in 1972, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the “A-Series” sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the “B-Series” and “C-Series”, with all being numbered on the case back. This particular example comes from the “C-Series” and is notable for its original and great condition of preservation. An icon of watch design, the original Royal Oak reference 5402ST continues to gain popularity with collectors.