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 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 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$10,000 – $15,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Quartz cal. 2612
Reference
56175SP
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and platinum
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a rather unique dial for a Royal Oak, the ref. 56175SP lacks the collection's signature Tapisserie finish, and instead sports a glossy finish that means its black dial is still elevated in its execution, with its applied Roman numerals and indices completing what is a wonderfully designed display.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a mid-sized 33mm case diameter, this ref. 56175SP 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. Additionally, with a brightly polished platinum bezel, it is elegantly elevated beyond a full steel construction.
THE PROFILE
Thanks to its quartz movement, the ref. 56175SP takes the Royal Oak's already-thin case and makes it even thinner for a wonderfully comfortable wearing experience.
Condition
The watch is in overall excellent condition. The stainless steel case is well defined, with some light scratches and scuffs. The case back is very clean with deep, well-defined engravings and light wear to the screw heads. The high polished platinum bezel shows some scratches and a couple of small nicks on the edge. The dial is excellent, with clean applied hour markers; the minute hand has a small patch of lume missing. The integrated bracelet is in excellent condition with light marks and negligible play between the links. The bracelet has 20 links, 8 of which are removable, and fits an approximately 7 1/4” wrist.
Our Perspective
Aiding in popularizing the Royal Oak as it got collectors used to a luxury stainless steel timepiece from a brand like AP, thanks to its smaller proportions and less expensive quartz movement, the ref. 56175 was an important reference from the Royal Oak's history. With its mix of stainless steel and platinum, the ref. 56175SP is a rare and unusual variant from the historical reference.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
