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. Launched in 2022 as part of the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary celebrations, the ref. 15550ST takes AP's variety of subtle changes and applies them to its predecessor's 37mm construction, the Royal Oak's ref. 15450ST.

Watch is in near-mint overall condition. Case shows fine wear, with a few marks visible along the bezel edge, and a small scratch visible between the bezel and mid-case just below the crown. Some minial wear visible on the polished edge of the caseback. Bracelet shows some light surface scratches, and was previously sized for a 6 1/2" wrist. The removed links are included with the watch. Watch features the 50th anniversary rotor.

Measuring at 37mm in diameter, the Royal Oak ref. 15550ST is the perfect size for men who want an easy-wearing watch and for women who want a watch with a significant wrist presence. It can do it all.