Launched in 1972, the Royal Oak was the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch with a fully integrated bracelet. Designed overnight in response to an urgent request for an “unprecedented steel watch,” it was at the same time the most expensive stainless steel watch ever made. Today the Royal Oak is a legend, accounting for over 70 percent of the brand’s sales. The brand sought famed designer Gérald Genta, who developed a brilliantly engineered monobloc case, with a distinctively maritime feel, featuring an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, and a dial with a tapisserie motif. The watch became known among collectors as the “Jumbo” due to the 39mm diameter case, which at the time was considered large compared to standard gentlemen’s dress watches, most of which measured between 33 and 35 mm in diameter.

The Royal Oak model reference 5402 has been produced in four different batches: A, B, C, and D with small design details that made each subtly different. Presented in excellent condition, the present "B series" Royal Oak is a rare and extremely sought-after early example. The dial is preserved in excellent condition, with the AP logo at six o'clock as correctly found on any A and B Series.

The present Royal Oak is beautifully preserved and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity confirming the original sale date as July 9, 1976. The Royal Oak is an icon within the world of horology. It’s history as the first modern luxury sports watch, along with its timeless aesthetic, makes it a superb choice for any connoisseur.