Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402ST - 'Jumbo' w/ 'Logo at 6' Dial Unpolished

It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the first Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal, receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling, all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no reason that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet — not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world. This is of course, the Reference 5402. These were available in stainless steel, two-tone steel & yellow gold, and solid yellow gold and all examples measure 39mm in diameter. While that may not seem ‘Jumbo’ by the standards of today, that was considerably larger than most watches in the 1970s — especially when you factor in the integrated bracelet which contributes to an even larger feel when on the wrist. The piece that we have here is perhaps the most sought-after configuration within the 5402 range: a full stainless steel piece with a 'Logo at 6' dial. Dating to circa 1976, this piece comes to us in fantastic overall condition. The case and matching integrated bracelet are unpolished, retaining correct factory finishing throughout. It shows normal wear from age and use and some sleeve-polish with no major blemishes or damage to speak of. Inside, the grey 'micro-tappisserie' textured dial is beautifully preserved. The surface is clean and consistent in color and the white printing is excellent. The applied Tritium-filled indices exhibit an even patina throughout and the correct handset matches perfectly. Last but not least, this example retains its very early "Audemars Piguet" signed fliplock component on the clasp. This is it! The first! The real deal. Movement: Automatic-winding ultra-thin Calibre 2121 by Audemars Piguet (modified JLC). Bracelet/Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with 19 links and signed deployant clasp and "Audemars Piguet" signed fliplock. Unpolished, showing matching normal wear throughout with faint stretch. Sized for ≈7" wrist.