Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402 - 'Jumbo C Series'

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 example that we have here is perhaps the most widely sought after stainless steel variant. It is of the ‘C’ series of production, dating to circa the 1980s. The case and bracelet remain in fantastic overall condition, with visible factory finishing and normal, honest signs of wear. The dial is virtually flawless, with evenly patinated Tritium-filled indices, a matching handset, and an applied 'logo at 6.'

This is it! The first! The real deal!