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.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits some surface wear, with nice edges that have some minor scratches. Dial in near mint condition with minor aging on the indexes, but no scratches or marks visible on the dial. Bracelet has 22 links, 8 removable. There is little stretch.

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.