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
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Inner and Outer Box
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Quartz cal. 2612
Reference
56175SA
Bracelet
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring the Royal Oak's standard 'Petite Tapisserie" and a stunning shade of champagne gold, this example's dial serves as a reminder of just how well AP executes the finer details of their timepieces.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a mid-sized 33mm case diameter, this ref. 56175SA retains the iconic essence of the Royal Oak's design. It wears surprisingly larger than you may expect, and its thinness allows for the watch to fit comfortably on a wrist of any size.
THE PROFILE
Thanks to the Royal Oak's already thin design and the ref. 56175SA's quartz movement, this Royal Oak has an extremely flat profile that sits incredibly low on the wrist.
Condition
The watch is in overall very good condition. The case shows surface scratches and some more noticeable nicks on the sides of the lugs. The case back has light scratches, with very well-defined engravings. The gold bezel has softened slightly, with some loss of definition. The champagne-colored petit tapisserie dial is excellent, complemented by clean hands. The steel and yellow gold bracelet has light surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7 1/2” wrist, and is fitted with 21 links, 7 of which are removable. Comes with inner and outer boxes.
Our Perspective
As iconic as it gets, this Royal Oak's two-tone yellow gold and stainless steel construction, beautiful dial, and comfortable fit on the wrist have set it up nicely to fit into whatever watch collection it finds itself in.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
