04/05/2022
This was one of our favorite parts filming within the ongoing project.. we are proud and grateful ✨
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The Royal Oak came along at a moment in the early 1970s when Audemars Piguet, like the entire Swiss watch industry, was facing an existential threat. The so-called ‘quartz crisis’ — the emergence of inexpensive quartz-powered movements — spelled disaster for the Swiss maisons, all of which specialised in costly mechanical dress watches. And in the world at large, lifestyles were changing.
Radically different in design than anything Audemars Piguet had produced before, the Royal Oak stunned the watch industry. Made of steel, the name of the model came from the historical Boscobel oak tree in England where King Charles II hid from Cromwell’s army in 1651. The Royal Oak name was later applied to multiple British naval ships between 1769 and 1914. With a well-balanced design inspired by the portholes of sailing vessels, the model has become an unquestionable icon of the modern age.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST. The Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus have over the years come to define the luxury steel sports genre.
At our upcoming ‘Rare Watches Geneva’ auction, we are pleased to offer a curated selection of rare and attractive Royal Oak references - from classic vintage to on-trend modern.
Tap the LINK IN BIO to read about the top 5 reasons why collectors love the Royal Oak.
The live auction will be held on May 9 at the Four Seasons Hotel Des Bergues.