128 Audemars Piguet Very Rare and Well Presrved, Royal Oak, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, Black Tropical Brown Tapisserie Dial, With Certificate of Origin, Reference 5402ST

Estimate: € 30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Sold € 61,100

Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 5402ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 1978
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2121/1
Case N°: C 1538
Movement N°: 173726
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Certificate of Origin

Audemars Piguet’s unveiling of the Royal Oak marked the genesis of the contemporary luxury sports watch landscape. Crafted by the immortal designer Gerald Genta, this timepiece, introduced at Baselworld in 1972, revolutionized horology with its distinctive design. It stood out as a true novelty in the Audemars universe, representing the brand’s inaugural venture into the realm of sporting pride. As the first luxury watch in steel with an integrated bracelet, the Royal Oak offered a precious yet sporty alternative, captivating watch enthusiasts like never before. Housed within its iconic silhouette was the extra slim caliber 2121, a masterpiece based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, later gracing the Nautilus wristwatch. The inaugural reference, the 5402, spanned 25 years with approximately 6 050 examples produced across four batches: A, B, C, and D, each boasting subtle design distinctions. Our featured timepiece belongs to the esteemed “C Series,” showcasing a captivating dial with remarkable preservation. The case, with its instantly recognizable bezel, maintains its original proportions, testifying to the enduring allure of the Royal Oak. The black dial, adorned with a mini-"tapisserie” pattern, a signature of early Royal Oak dials, has gracefully transitioned into a rich brown hue. Applied baton indexes and the AP logo at 6 o’clock add a touch of sophistication, while the date window at 3 o’clock enhances functionality. Accompanied by its certificate of origin, this “C Series” Royal Oak stands as a testament to Audemars Piguet’s legacy of innovation and timeless elegance.