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 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Quartz
Reference
56303
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
A classic AP "Petite Tapisserie" dial is made using a burin, a type of chisel that engraves the texture into the dial plate. It is a time-consuming process as each dial can take several hours to make. As a result of its distinctive finish, it has become an iconic piece of the Royal Oak's design.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While measuring 33mm in diameter, the ref. 56303ST wears larger on the wrist than one might first think, thanks to the Royal Oak's angular proportions and integrated bracelet.
THE PROFILE
Thanks to the Royal Oak's already thin design and the ref. 56303's quartz movement this Royal Oak has an extremely thin profile that sits incredibly flat on the wrist.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case has sharp edges and surfaces, with scratches and marks visible on case and bezel. Bezel is thick and has sharp and well defined edges. The brushed surface has numerous scratches and abrasions, with an area of wear visible around the 2 o'clock screw. Original tapiserrie dial with laugh signs of aging. The hands have been replaced at some point, with luminous material a shade lighter than the dial. Bracelet has 20 links total, 6 of which are removable Wear consummate with rest of watch, and exhibiting very light stretch.
Our Perspective
With the current popularity of the Royal Oak, it can be quite difficult to find one in a moderate price range. The ref. 56303 is not one to overlook. Although measuring at 33mm, it does not wear small, especially if one is accustomed to vintage pieces. A fair comparison in size would be the Rolex Air-King model.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
