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 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.

Watch is in excellent overall condition Sharp bezel with surface wear, case having light scratches. Light wear on the AP clasp closure. Dial has slightly darker tritium than the hands. Bracelet has 22 links, 8 of which are removable. There is little stretch.

As iconic as it gets, this Royal Oak's two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel construction, beautiful dial, and comfortable fit on the wrist have set it up nicely to fit into whatever watch collection it finds itself in.