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
Guarantee Papers
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
39mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 3120
Reference
15300OR.OO.D088CR.02
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2016
Condition
Near mint
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch and Guarantee Papers
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring the Royal Oak's signature "Grande Tapisserie" pattern alongside its shimmering shade of silver, the ref. 15300OR's dial is a monochromatic masterpiece rooted in the Royal Oak's heritage that serves to perfectly complement its equally bright and impressive rose gold construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Angular and geometric, the Royal Oak design by Gerald Genta has become a bona fide icon. This example retains all the sharp finishings that Audemars Piguet is known for. However, in place of the Royal Oak's bracelet, the ref. 15300OR is offered on a leather strap for a more refined and elegant aesthetic.
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
The watch is in overall near-mint condition. There are very light signs of wear, but the case and finishes remain well defined and in near-mint condition. The case back is very clean, with crisp engravings and hallmarks. The white Grande Tapisserie dial is pristine, as are the hands. The watch is fitted with a brown alligator strap with an AP-signed rose gold deployant clasp that is near mint. Comes with the original guarantee from 2016.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Offered as a dress watch equivalent of the Royal Oak, the ref. 15300OR takes the model's angular sports watch design and reframes it as a more understated watch through its use of a leather strap in place of its avant-garde bracelet.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
