Lot Essay
A superlative example of why Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak enjoys such a pre-eminent status in the world of fine watchmaking, the Ref. 26670ST was launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Royal Oak model (Ref. 5402) which set the template for luxury steel sports watches in 1972.
The present lot combines the best qualities of the original Royal Oak reference – an extra-thin movement, a superb 39-mm stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet and the familiar blue ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial. However, the presence of a flying tourbillon adds an extra layer of exclusivity. This is in essence the "Jumbo" Royal Oak but with a flying tourbillon visible via the aperture at 6 o’ clock.
The new “Jumbo” tourbillon has a movement developed specifically for the model, one that allows the case to retain the dimensions of the original Royal Oak ref. 5402 of 1972.
This reference is officially the RD#3, the third watch in the brand’s series of inventive complications that includes the Royal Oak Supersonnerie and Royal Oak RD#2 ultra-thin Perpetual Calendar.
The present lot combines the best qualities of the original Royal Oak reference – an extra-thin movement, a superb 39-mm stainless steel case with an integrated bracelet and the familiar blue ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial. However, the presence of a flying tourbillon adds an extra layer of exclusivity. This is in essence the "Jumbo" Royal Oak but with a flying tourbillon visible via the aperture at 6 o’ clock.
The new “Jumbo” tourbillon has a movement developed specifically for the model, one that allows the case to retain the dimensions of the original Royal Oak ref. 5402 of 1972.
This reference is officially the RD#3, the third watch in the brand’s series of inventive complications that includes the Royal Oak Supersonnerie and Royal Oak RD#2 ultra-thin Perpetual Calendar.