製造商: Audemars Piguet 年份: Circa 1975 型號: 5402ST 機芯編號: 47'117 錶殼號碼: 99'015 型號名稱: Royal Oak 材料: Stainless steel 機芯: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm 錶扣: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp 尺寸: 39mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed 配件: Accompanied by a letter from Audemars Piguet Germany dated May 23, 1979 confirming the watch was made without serial numbers on the caseback and an Audemars Piguet Authenticity and Exclusivity Certificate.
圖錄文章
Until very recently it was believed that the original Royal Oak reference 5402 was made in 4 batches or series: A, B, C and D. However a very small number of reference 5402s were made without any alpha-numerical serial numbers on the case back.
The present example is part of this elusive batch that has the particularity of not having a letter nor a serial number on the caseback.
It is believed that these models, dating circa 1975, are transitional models between the A and B series. According to Audemars Piguet archives, less than 100 of these versions are thought to have been made, with only a handful having appeared on the international auction market.
This reference 5402 houses the extra slim caliber 2121 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, that would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch.
In June 2020 Phillips offered a reference 5402 sans alpha-numerical number with case number 99'108 - the present example bears case number 99’015 only 93 numbers apart.
Not only is the present model extremely rare but its desirability is enhanced even further thanks to the beautiful “tropical” dial with light copper accents in the centre.
The present watch is offered with an Audemars Piguet Authenticity and Exclusivity Certificate as well as a letter from Audemars Piguet Germany dated May 23, 1979 confirming the watch was made without serial numbers on the caseback.
Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with both modern and vintage examples being exceedingly popular and collectible. The present ultra-rare example without serial numbers is a grail that cannot be missed.
A 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.