Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 A Serial with Papers Mint 39 mm

One of Gerald Genta’s most iconic designs still in production today is Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, first introduced to the market in 1972, four years prior to Patek Philippe’s launch of the celebrated Nautilus, also designed by Genta.

Audemars Piguet’s reference 5402ST to collectors is often referred to as the so-called “A-Series” or “Jumbo”. Housed inside is a version of the beloved Jaeger LeCoultre 920 movement, the ultra-thin AP caliber 2121. The A-Series is distinguished by the placement of the „AP” logo above 6 o’clock, compared to later examples typically bearing the „AP” logo at 12 o’clock. The dial is fitted with a dark honeycomb dial, aperture for date at 3 o’clock and luminous white gold hands and hour markers.

When Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak, it was the most expensive stainless steel watch ever made at that time. Interestingly enough, the Royal Oak encased in stainless steel cost more money for the company to produce than their white gold dress watches. So ground-breaking was its concept, Audemars Piguet’s competitors thought the watch would bankrupt the company. Of course, today, the Royal Oak is a design icon, accounting for over 70% of the brand’s sales today. The overall design of this beloved timepiece is sporty, yet elegant and today is arguably the brand’s most recognizable wristwatch.

The watch comes with the Audemars Piguet Certificate of Origin.