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 excellent overall condition. Case shows light signs of wear, with minor scratches and marks visible on the gold bezel, and tantalum surfaces. Bracelet has 18 links total, 4 of which are removable. It is sized for a 7" wrist, and there is an additional link included on the side.

The perfect Royal Oak for a collector looking for something a little outside of the ordinary, the ref. 56175TR is a wonderfully unique timepiece thanks to its unique two-tone construction using some unusual metals, svelte 33mm diameter, and a beautiful vertically-brushed dial.