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.
Loupe This Scorecard
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
56175TR
Bracelet
Tantalum and 18kt rose gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Tantalum and 18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Anthracite
THE DIAL
Matching its construction, the ref. 56175TR features a vertically brushed grey anthracite dial with rose gold hour markers, hands and inscriptions.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Made of the famously hard and corrosion-resistant metal tantalum and 18kt rose gold, the ref. 56175TR features a two-tone aesthetic that is not often seen in watchmaking and is anchored in tantalum's blue-grey color and accented by rose gold's warm allure.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
No reading - Quartz movement
Condition
Watch is in excellent condition. Surface scratches can be found along the tantalum case and rose gold accents. The dial is in near-mint condition with lightly aged luminous and no visible damage. The bracelet has 22 links total, 8 of which are removable.
Our Perspective
A wonderfully unique timepiece thanks to its unique two-tone construction, svelte 33mm diameter, and beautiful vertically-brushed dial, the ref. 56175TR is the perfect Royal Oak for a collector looking for something a little outside of the ordinary.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
