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. Launched in 1972 as a limited series of 1000 pieces, the A-Series ref. 5402 was the first series of Royal Oak to be released. With its 39mm stainless steel case it was quickly nicknamed the “Jumbo” due to how much larger it was compared to other watches from the time. A handful of years later, in 1977, AP decided to expand the ref. 5402 and release an 18kt yellow gold version; the ref. 5402BA, which is what we have here. Featuring all of the same design details as its stainless steel siblings, this new reference expanded the Royal Oak into the realm of luxury that Audemars Piguet was always, and still is, known for. 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.

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case is very well defined, with light scratches visible on the case and the polished edge of the bezel. The case back has crisp engravings, all hallmarks are fully legible, and there is some wear to the screw heads. The winding crown shows gentle wear at the edges. The grey petit tapisserie dial is excellent, with a few minor marks, and there is some discolouration to the lume in the hands. The integrated yellow gold bracelet has some light marks and negligible play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/4” wrist, and is fitted with 19 links, 2 of which are removable.

Widely recognized as one of the most iconic timepieces ever produced, the Royal Oak ref. 5402 is perhaps one of the most important watches to ever be released, with its debut reviving Audemars Piguet and leading to the widespread adoption of stainless steel sports watches into most high-end watchmakers' arsenals. Additionally, the yellow gold ref. 5402BA combined the Royal Oak's avant-garde design with the luxurious sense of opulence that AP would have been associated with at the time, as they still are of course.