Lot #2394
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Khanjar Diamond Dial 6023AC Yellow and White Gold
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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 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.
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Grade
V 8.0
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Quartz cal. 2506
Reference
6023AC
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold and 18kt white gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1980s
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold and 18kt white gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Gold
THE DIAL
Featuring a champagne dial without the Royal Oak's signature tapisserie engraving, this ref. 6023AC's dial is distinguished by its diamond-set hour markers. Additionally, this example also features a rich green Khanjar dagger, which marks it as a watch specially ordered by the Sultan of Oman to be added to the Royal Family's collection or gifted to a close friend, foreign diplomat or someone else of high-esteem.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a completely 18kt gold construction, the ref. 6023AC is unique due to its reversed two-tone appearance. While the more typical two-tone Royal Oak combo of 18kt yellow gold and stainless steel features yellow gold for its bezel and center links, the ref. 6023AC features yellow gold links and a yellow gold head paired with white gold center links and a white gold bezel.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
Quartz - No reading
Condition
Watch is in very good condition with well-preserved chamfers on the case and bezel. There is attractive oxidation throughout the case and bracelet. Bezel and bracelet have some superficial hairline scratches. Gasket seal around the case is visible under the bezel. Dial showing some signs of ageing, but free from damage. Bracelet has a total of 22 links, 8 of which are removable. There is little stretch.
Our Perspective
A unique pairing of 18kt yellow gold and 18kt white gold along with a reversed color scheme, the ref. 6023AC showcases AP's love of breaking from convention and embracing the atypical. With a Khanjar dagger atop its diamond-set dial, this example is all the more special.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
