Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1987 Reference No: 66240BA Movement No: 303'127 Case No: C22875.470 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K yellow gold, black Chinese lacquer and diamonds Calibre: Quartz, cal. 2508, 7 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold, black Chinese lacquer and diamond-set Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 165mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 26mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming the register date of the present timepiece on 16th March 1987. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
It is interesting how from the original idea of creating a stainless steel casual/chic watch the Royal Oak has taken different shapes and variations over time. The present surprising lady's Royal Oak is the perfect example.
It is definitely chic and glamourous with its yellow gold case, champagne dial and diamond indexes but even more visually interesting are the horizontally set diamonds on the links and the black Chinese lacquer bezel and central links giving the watch an incredibly graphic look.
The watch is set with 264 diamonds for a total of approximately 3.45carats.
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.