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 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.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak Day-Date
Movement
Automatic cal. 2124
Reference
25572SA
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Grey
THE DIAL
Starting life as a brighter shade of silver, this example's dial has taken on a warmer and more subtle undertone that appears almost grey, providing a wonderful match to the example's two-tone construction.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While a seemingly modest 36mm in diameter, the Royal Oak benefits from a tonneau-shaped case and integrated bracelet design so that it comfortably spans the wrist and looks great no matter the size.
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 very good condition. The case shows light surface scratches and signs of a previous polish, while the case back retains well-defined engravings with light wear visible to the screw heads. The yellow gold bezel shows surface marks. The dial shows signs of light degradation, with some spotting visible on the sub-dials and partial loss of printing in places. It is fitted with a steel and yellow gold integrated bracelet showing surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 21 links, 6 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7” wrist. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
A Royal Oak fan-favorite, the Day-Date 'Owl' variant is immediately recognizable to all that know it thanks to its sibling day and date displays resembling an owl's eyes.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
