Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

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Property from a Japanese Collector

873

Ref. 5402
An early and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box

Circa 1972
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 630,000 
€46,700-73,600
$51,300-80,800

Sold for HK$889,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023