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.

Watch is in near mint condition and appears to have been worn only a few times. Bracelet has been sized but the removed links are included along with the box and papers. Watch presents almost as new.

A beautiful celebration of the Royal Oak's legendary status as perhaps the most iconic timepiece in all of luxury watchmaking, the 2022 ref. 16202ST is a fantastic collector piece with its commemorative 50th anniversary rotor. While the 16202 will continue being a piece in the AP lineup, the 50th anniversary rotor will only be seen on pieces that are produced in 2022.