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
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $10,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Royal Oak
Movement
Quartz
Reference
56175ST
Bracelet
Stainless Steel
Year
Circa late 1980s to early 1990s
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless Steel bracelet
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. Dial appears to be free of any imperfections. Bezel and bracelet have very light hairline scratches consistent with careful use. There appear to be no signs of previous polishing. A total of 21 links present, 9 of them are removable.
Our Perspective
Made of stainless steel, the ref. 56175ST aided 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.