7
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 15202BA
Royal Oak
A fine and very rare yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 40,000€17,600 - 35,200$20,500 - 41,000
CHF30,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- 2000
- Reference No
- 15202BA
- Movement No
- 415'030
- Case No
- E41591, 020
- Model Name
- Royal Oak
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2121/3, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 200mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 39mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract of Register confirming production of this watch on September 21, 2000.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1972 by Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak was the first luxury sports watch. Before the advent of this model, wristwatches were divided in roughly two categories: evening pieces and professional timepieces. The latter were usually made in steel and presented professional-oriented complications such as the chronograph or the dual time complication. The Royal Oak was instead a stainless steel sports watch priced higher than its gold peers and marketed as a luxury item: simply put, a revolution for the market. Contrary to the market’s first impressions of the watch, the Royal Oak became a best-seller. It was soon followed by other similarly inspired pieces such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus.
The present example is a modern representative of this landmark line of wristwatches. Reference 15202 was launched in 2000, and then again re-issued in 2012 in celebration of the model’s 40th anniversary and is powered by what was at the time the thinnest automatic movement, only 2.45mm thick. Gold examples of reference 15202 from the first production run - such as the present piece, dating to the very year the model was launched - were made in very few number and are today a highly scarce and collectible resource.
The present example is a modern representative of this landmark line of wristwatches. Reference 15202 was launched in 2000, and then again re-issued in 2012 in celebration of the model’s 40th anniversary and is powered by what was at the time the thinnest automatic movement, only 2.45mm thick. Gold examples of reference 15202 from the first production run - such as the present piece, dating to the very year the model was launched - were made in very few number and are today a highly scarce and collectible resource.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
Browse MakerToday, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.