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
Watch, Box and Guarantee Card
Est. value range
$40,000 – $60,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
41mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Automatic cal. 4302
Reference
15500ST
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
2020
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Perhaps one of the Royal Oak's best know features is the “Grande Tapisserie” pattern on its dial, of which this ref. 15500ST has in a brilliant white.
THE MOVEMENT
Powered by the automatic cal. 4302, the ref. 15500ST packs 70 hours of power reserve and displays an impressive level of finishing from behind its exhibition case back.
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 overall near mint condition. There is only the slightest minor surface wear evident on the case, otherwise the watch appears nearly like new. There are 21 links, 6 removable currently fitted on the watch, with 2 additional spare links on the side.
Our Perspective
Arguably one of the most iconic watches to ever be released, the Royal Oak is said to have saved the modern watch industry, and in the ref. 15500ST's 41mm configuration, it is fittingly modern indeed.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
