Deconstructed: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak A-series, ref. 5402ST

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was unveiled at the 1972 Basel Fair to mixed reactions Concerned that the watch might not be a success, Audemars Piguet initially limited production to only 1,000 pieces, identified by reference number 5402ST It took several years for the Royal Oak to catch on, but once it did, demand far exceeded supply, and 1,000 more were ordered.

It is therefore possible to tell the chronological order of a specific Royal Oak produced by the number of its case back Not only is the Royal Oak highly distinctive, it also inspired numerous important watches produced in subsequent years Perhaps more significantly, the Royal Oak established the popularity and desirability of the steel sports watch.

Tapisserie dials are a hallmark of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and are defined by the small squares that sit in relief The movement used for the A-Series Royal Oak is the automatic calibre 2121, based on the calibre 920 produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre. . Source