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

Estimate: € 60.000 –⁠ 120.000

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.