Property from a Japanese Collector
873
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5402
Royal Oak “A Series”
An early and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- HK$400,000 - 630,000€46,700 - 73,600$51,300 - 80,800
HK$889,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- Circa 1972
- Reference No
- 5402
- Movement No
- 127’623
- Case No
- A 417
- Model Name
- Royal Oak “A Series”
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Stainless steel Audemars Piguet Gay Freres bracelet, max length 185mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 39mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet certificate stamped Daimaru Kobe Japan dated 6th July 1973, service invoice, additional crown, associated presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today. Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, it caused an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. It was at the time the most expensive steel wristwatch available. It most notably housed the extra slim caliber 2121 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, that would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch. Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with early examples being exceedingly popular and collectible.
Production of the reference 5402 spanned 25 years, with a total of 6,050 examples manufactured, in four different batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each slightly different. Within the A series, approximately 2,000 examples were made between 1972 until 1974.
Known as the "A Series", the present watch is the original Royal Oak model first debuted in 1972. Offered in a well-preserved condition with strong case and sharp bezel, the present "A series" Royal Oak is an astonishing specimen that features all period correct components. Beautifully aged with luminous material that has developed a dark yellow hue, the blue dial with the applied “AP” logo at 6 o’clock with SWISS only inscription has aged with slight copper tropical details near the applied indexes. The Gay Freres bracelet not only displays sharp finishes, it is also stamped with “1.72” on the clasp indicating it is from first quarter of 1972. Accompanied with its original certificate, the timepiece was sold in Japan in 1973. A wonderful specimen of an icon in all aspects, the present reference 5402 “A Series” is a spectacular example thanks to its state of preservation.
Production of the reference 5402 spanned 25 years, with a total of 6,050 examples manufactured, in four different batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each slightly different. Within the A series, approximately 2,000 examples were made between 1972 until 1974.
Known as the "A Series", the present watch is the original Royal Oak model first debuted in 1972. Offered in a well-preserved condition with strong case and sharp bezel, the present "A series" Royal Oak is an astonishing specimen that features all period correct components. Beautifully aged with luminous material that has developed a dark yellow hue, the blue dial with the applied “AP” logo at 6 o’clock with SWISS only inscription has aged with slight copper tropical details near the applied indexes. The Gay Freres bracelet not only displays sharp finishes, it is also stamped with “1.72” on the clasp indicating it is from first quarter of 1972. Accompanied with its original certificate, the timepiece was sold in Japan in 1973. A wonderful specimen of an icon in all aspects, the present reference 5402 “A Series” is a spectacular example thanks to its state of preservation.
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.