Description

The ‘Royal Oak’ overturned the prevailing codes in 1972 during a period of existential crisis for the watch industry due to the boom of the cheap Quartz watches made in Asia.

The company had to come with a bold, solid stainless sports steel luxury watch, they gave the mission to Gerald Genta to design it.
He got the inspiration from a deep-sea-diving helmet, the result was an octagonal bezel, visible mounting screws, a large case of 39mm with an integrated bracelet, a very futuristic design for the seventies.

Within 2-3 years they sold about 1000 watches establishing a new segment within the industry and pioneered the popularity and desirability of the steel sports luxury watch.

– In 1993 the standard Royal Oak being already 20 years old, the brand looking for a younger generation clientele came with a very polarised design, people in the industry calling it “The Beast”.

The AP 77601BC.YY.D343CA.01 is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s commitment to crafting timepieces that are as functional as they are exquisite. This watch, an epitome of horological excellence, showcases a unique blend of innovation, tradition, and luxury.

Housed in a meticulously polished white gold case, the watch gleams with a lustrous allure that captures and reflects light in a mesmerizing dance. Every curve, every edge has been shaped with an attention to detail that is emblematic of Audemars Piguet’s heritage. It’s not just a watch; it’s a work of art.

The dial stands out with its Mother of Pearl craftsmanship, presenting an iridescent surface that plays with light in a myriad of ways. This luminous backdrop is accentuated by the pink marquetry detailing, adding a touch of sophistication and feminine elegance. The fusion of these materials ensures that each glance at the watch is a unique experience, as the colors and patterns shift subtly with each movement.

Driving this timepiece is a state-of-the-art mechanical movement, epitomizing the brand’s commitment to precision and reliability. This ensures that beyond its stunning aesthetics, the watch remains a reliable companion for the wearer, tracking time with impeccable accuracy.

The strap, crafted from high-grade alligator leather, offers a tactile experience that complements the visual beauty of the watch. Comfortable yet durable, it wraps around the wrist, creating a seamless bond between the wearer and the timepiece.

Audemars Piguet – bio

Audemars Piguet is a Swiss manufacturer of mechanical watches founded in 1875. They began in the Vallée de Joux. Jules Louis Audemars formed a partnership with Edward Auguste Piguet. Audemars created complicated blank watch movements for other manufactures to use. Piguet specialized in the final regulation of watches. They then split responsibilities when they began their own company. Audemars was in charge of production and technical aspects while Piguet focused on sales and management. One of their first achievements was creating the first repeater wristwatch in 1892 and in 1972 the iconic steel “Royal Oak”.