Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402SA - Two Tone 'Jumbo'
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 a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold piece, and an early one! Dating to circa 1978, this piece is from the second year that two-two examples were produced, and it comes to us in well-preserved overall condition. The case and matching integrated bracelet show signs of having been lightly polished at an earlier time, retaining correct finishing in the required areas. Additionally, 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 very nicely preserved. The surface is clean and consistent in color and retains excellent white text on the top half. The applied Tritium-filled indices are evenly patinated and the handset matches beautifully.
Two-tone watches are polarizing — without a doubt. However, there is something about a two-tone Royal Oak, in any form, that just works. The two metals are perfectly distributed in the form of the bracelet links, the bezel, and the dial components, and amount to a very well-rounded wearing experience.
Combined with a nice example light the one offered here and you've got a winner.
Condition Report & Details
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Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
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- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
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Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
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