Name: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402
Brand: Audemars Piguet
SKU: WPS-146318
Price: 26000.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Description

Hey Guys, Long time lurker but first time seller. It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to sell my favorite watch, a watch that belongs in the history books, or in the hands of a serious collector looking for a piece of history. For sale is my 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402st. This is a true "A-Series" watch, coming from the first set of 1000 Royal Oak watches produced (there are is a second set of A-Series RO's with SN's above 1000) and has every single trait you should expect to see on the earliest of Royal Oaks. It is in very good condition with original dial - with "AP" at 6 o'clock, and signed "Swiss" only, just as it should be The bracelet is marked Gay Freres and dated to 1972 as well. The watch was serviced less than a year ago and as such, has an AP-signed crown. I did this because this is a watch meant to be worn and I wanted it to be waterproof (though I never, ever took it into water) and if you are looking for a period perfect watch, an unsigned crown can easily be sourced and put on. Over all condition is very good, with scuffs and such commensurate with a 40 year old watch, though almost nothing is noticeable while wearing it. There is some mild flaking on the original tapisserie dial, though again you would only notice it under intense scrutiny. Bracelet and clasp are original and in good shape, as seen in pictures. Bezel is practically scratch free. I've been following the market on these watches closely and it seems the going rate at auction is around 35k CHF, but I'm looking for a quick and easy sale (new home, wife, and baby will do it to you!) at $26,000 OBO shipped. This watch has been in my family for many years and I would really like to see it go to a good home, to be worn by someone who appreciates just how special the RO Jumbo is and what it has meant to AP and the industry as a whole. All the best, A

⌚ Watch Specifications

Reference data · AI-verified specifications

Movement

Type: Automatic

Caliber: 2121

Power Reserve: 40h

Case

Material: Stainless steel

Diameter: 39 mm

Thickness: 7mm

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Acrylic

Bezel: Fixed Octagonal

Dial & Strap

Dial: Blue

Strap: Steel bracelet

Production: 1972-1980

📖 About This Reference

The Royal Oak reference 5402 is recognized as the original iteration of the model, introduced in 1972. This reference established the design language that would define the Royal Oak collection, characterized by its integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel secured by visible screws. It was initially presented as a luxury sport watch, distinguishing itself through its material and finishing in a period dominated by more traditional dress watch aesthetics. The 5402 was produced in various series, with the A-series being the earliest and most sought after by collectors. The watch features a 39mm stainless steel case, often referred to as the "Jumbo" size, which was considered substantial for its era. It houses the self-winding Caliber 2121, a thin movement derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre's Caliber 920, known for its full-rotor design. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, and the watch offers a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for general wear. For collectors, the reference 5402 holds significance as the foundational model of a major watch series. Its various production series (A, B, C, D) present nuances in dial text and case back engravings that are closely examined. The integrated steel bracelet is an integral part of its design, contributing to its distinct profile. The blue dial, often with a "tapisserie" pattern, is a hallmark of this early reference, though other dial variations exist.