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.
The first model released was the reference 5402 known today as the “Royal Oak A series”, with a thin automatic calibre 2121 movement that is still made today.
Since they treated steel as gold, the level of finishing was remarkable and so was the retail price, for comparison purpose a similar Rolex sport watch was 10x cheaper.
Today, Audemars Piguet still produces a range of Royal Oaks in different sizes (33 to 41mm) for ladies and men, from titanium, rose gold, yellow gold and platinum metals, various dial colours and with different complications.
The present watch is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 15467OR.OO.1256OR.01, It is encased in a stunning 18-carat pink gold case, featuring a diameter of 37mm and a thickness of 9.8mm. The case’s sleek, modern design is complemented by its iconic octagonal bezel, secured by eight hexagonal screws – a hallmark of the Royal Oak collection since its inception in 1972. The case back, also crafted from 18-carat pink gold, is engraved with the prestigious Audemars Piguet signature, reassuring its owner of the timepiece’s unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
At the heart of this horological marvel lies the intricate Calibre 3132 movement, boasting a self-winding mechanism with a power reserve of up to 45 hours. This movement, visible through the watch’s sapphire crystal case back, comprises of 245 parts and 38 jewels, meticulously assembled by the skilled watchmakers at Audemars Piguet. The Calibre 3132’s impressive technical specifications are further enhanced by its exquisite hand-finished decoration, a testament to the brand’s dedication to both functionality and beauty.
The watch’s dial, a mesmerizing openworked design, is adorned with pink gold applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands, both coated with a luminescent material for enhanced readability. The dial’s captivating pattern not only adds a touch of sophistication but also offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the timepiece, providing its wearer with a unique experience that combines horological artistry with engineering excellence.
The Royal Oak 15467OR.OO.1256OR.01 is fitted with an elegant 18-carat pink gold bracelet, seamlessly integrated with the case, and secured by a folding clasp for ultimate comfort and ease of wear. The bracelet’s exceptional craftsmanship ensures a perfect fit, making this timepiece an ideal companion for both formal and casual occasions.
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”.