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.

The overall condition is very good. Original dial has oxidation around the indexes, which is common with these dials. Case and bracelet have surface abrasions throughout, consistent with average wear. Bracelet is sized to fit a 7" wrist. There are 7 removable links.

Perhaps one of the most important watches in the realm of contemporary watchmaking, the demand for vintage Royal Oaks has taken to stratospheric heights as collectors see the value in these early examples.