Audemars Piguet - The New York Watch Auction: X New York Saturday, June 8, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1973
    Reference No: 5402 ST
    Movement No: 142'421
    Case No: A959; 67’959
    Model Name: Royal Oak A-Series "Khanjar"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Audemars Piguet stainless steel link bracelet, max length 180mm, further signed Gay Frères.
    Clasp/Buckle: Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, stamped 1.72.
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak marked a pivotal moment in horological history as the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch featuring an integrated bracelet. Conceived overnight by renowned designer Gerald Genta, it not only shattered conventional norms but also set a new benchmark for luxury in stainless steel. Notably, its octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, accentuated its maritime allure. Although revered today as a horological icon, its launch was more than a mere gamble; it heralded a visionary revolution, laying the foundation for the contemporary dominance of luxury steel sports watches.

    Distinguished by its black dial, devoid of the customary tapisserie motif but embellished with refined diamond markers and prominently displaying the royal "Khanjar" daggers at 6 o’clock, the present reference 5402 stands apart from regular production models. Records indicate that in the spring of 1973, Audemars Piguet ordered a batch of six dials without the tapisserie motif, featuring diamond-set indexes and an emblem at 6 o'clock. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman, well known as an avid collector and aficionado of horology, frequently commissioned timepieces from esteemed manufactures to bestow upon loyal friends and foreign dignitaries. Assuming the throne on July 23, 1970, this makes the present watch likely one of the earliest gifts bestowed during his reign.

    Offered in impeccable condition, the present "A Series" example stands out as one of the mere handful known to bear the prestigious Khanjar emblem, having been commissioned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman. Combined with the original steel Jumbo case, it is the perfect watch for those seeking an iconic A-series Royal Oak with an extraordinary dial

  • 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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Ref. 5402 ST
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with date and bracelet, made for the Sultanate of Oman

1973
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF72,600-145,000
€74,200-148,000
HK$625,000-1,250,000

Sold for $279,400

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
watchesny@phillips.com

Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: X

New York Auction 8 - 9 June 2024