Introduction
Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$30,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
41mm x 9.8mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 3120
Reference
15400ST.00.1220ST.03A
Bracelet
Stainless steel integrated bracelet
Year
2015
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Perhaps one of the Royal Oak's best know features is the “Grande Tapisserie” pattern on its dial, of which this ref. 15400ST has in the Royal Oak's best-known color, a beautiful blue.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While its original 39mm ref. 5402 was nicknamed the "Jumbo" back in 1972; the ref. 15400ST would certainly be deserving of that nickname with its even larger 41mm case.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint overall condition. There are some very minor scratches on the surface, namely the bracelet and a few on the bezel, but watch presents very nicely overall. The bracelet has 22 links total, 6 of which are removable. There is one additional link on the side. The bracelet exhibits little to no stretch.
Our Perspective
An iconic timepiece with the design, heritage and craftsmanship to match, and the ref. 15400ST gives the Royal Oak a level of wrist presence that it never had prior to its 2012 debut.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
