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Lot Essay
Examples of the original Royal Oak ‘C Series’ are increasingly hard to obtain as one of the great classic ‘must-have’ watches for the serious collector. A ‘C Series’ with colour-change ‘tropical’ dial such as the present watch is an extreme rarity and a highlight for those seeking important specimens of iconic watch models.
Reference 5402
Unveiled at Baselworld in 1972, Audemars Piguet astonished the world by creating the first stainless steel wristwatch marketed as a luxury timepiece. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, the inspiration behind the Royal Oak derived from the early diver’s helmets in which the design can be easily recognized in the octagonal bezel. Genta’s ethos closely shadowed 'form follows function' in which this was utilized in the fixed bolts of the bezel that were screwed in from the back, creating a watertight seal. Another key feature of reference 5402 was the integrated steel bracelet, adding to the robust nature of the timepiece designed for everyday wear. The dial features a black Grande Tapisserie guilloché pattern that has been intricately cut by hand, adding to the legibility and industrial aura of the watch.
Reference 5402
Unveiled at Baselworld in 1972, Audemars Piguet astonished the world by creating the first stainless steel wristwatch marketed as a luxury timepiece. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, the inspiration behind the Royal Oak derived from the early diver’s helmets in which the design can be easily recognized in the octagonal bezel. Genta’s ethos closely shadowed 'form follows function' in which this was utilized in the fixed bolts of the bezel that were screwed in from the back, creating a watertight seal. Another key feature of reference 5402 was the integrated steel bracelet, adding to the robust nature of the timepiece designed for everyday wear. The dial features a black Grande Tapisserie guilloché pattern that has been intricately cut by hand, adding to the legibility and industrial aura of the watch.