229 Audemars Piguet Iconic and Sought After, Royal Oak Automatic Wristwatch, in Steel, Box, Warranty and Booklets, Reference 15202ST

Estimate: € 30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Sold € 40,300

Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 15202ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 2000's
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2121
Case N°: N°1634, F07324
Movement N°: 572119
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Warranty and Booklets

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15 202, also known as the Extra-Thin or Jumbo, is a reissue of the iconic Royal Oak introduced by Audemars Piguet in 2000. The original Royal Oak, debuting in 1972, revolutionized luxury watches with its steel construction, luxurious finishing, and larger 39 mm case, earning it the nickname “Jumbo.” Despite the introduction of various models over the years, the demand for the original design persisted. In 1992, Audemars Piguet marked the Royal Oak launch with a “Jubilee” model, Ref. 14 802, maintaining the 39 mm case size. The Ref. 15 202, released in 2000, added a display case back, gaining popularity despite its higher price. Distinguished by its two-handed ultra-thin movement, the Jaeger-LeCoultre-derived Cal. 2121, it retained the “Jumbo” nickname despite the addition of the sapphire back, keeping it exceptionally thin at 8.1 mm. Ref. 15 202 originally sported the “AP” logo at 12 o’clock like the company’s other products and the present lot, but this was moved above 6 o’clock starting in 2012 to match the original Royal Oak. At that time, the company also switched from a white date wheel like the present lot to a black one to blend in better with the blue and black dials. Originally available in steel and rose gold, yellow gold joined the lineup in 2017. A novel addition in 2018 was the Ref. 15202IP, featuring a titanium case, platinum bezel, and bracelet inserts, along with a distinctive smoked blue dial.