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 8.5
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
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Cream
THE DIAL
Offering a largely monochromatic aesthetic, this Royal Oak Day-Date 'Owl' features a cream dial with golden subdial rings that combine to perfectly match the 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel construction that surrounds the display.
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.
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.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case has some light scratches and marks, but the lines remain reasonably well defined. There are some marks on the case back, along with wear to the screw heads and surrounding holes. The ROYAL OAK engraving remains clearly visible. The gold bezel has some light scratches and marks. The tapisserie dial has aged to a rich cream hue with light surface marks. The centre hands are clean, while the calendar hands show some oxidation. The steel and gold integrated bracelet has surface scratches and light play between the links. It is fitted with 17 links, 4 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 6 3/4” wrist.
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
