Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 8638ST - 'Ladies' Automatic 30mm
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 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 surprise 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. While the initial 5402 was time-only, AP quickly began to capitalize on the success of the Royal Oak and begin to integrate other complications and variations into this case.
Which leads us to the Royal Oak that we have here, a 'ladies' Reference 8638ST. These pieces embody the ethos of the original Ref. 5402 'Jumbo' models, just in a smaller 30mm case. In fact, at a glance, the only thing that differentiates it from its larger sibling, is the absence of a date window at the 3 o'clock position.
This particular example dates to circa 1977 and comes to us in excellent overall condition. The case, bezel assembly, and bracelet all retain correct factory finishing visible throughout and shows normal wear. Inside, the characteristic deep blue micro-tapisserie dial is also remarkably well-preserved, largely devoid of any of the usual wear to the textured surface with only minor wear around the applied indices. The color is consistent throughout and the Tritium-filled indices exhibit a light and even patina.
Last but not least, powering this charming little piece is an automatic-winding movement, unlike the subsequent 33mm Royal Oaks that followed, which while very svelte and offer a charm of their own, utilized quartz movements.
These 30mm Royal Oaks are surprisingly uncommon and do not surface on the open market that often, so don't miss out!
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
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.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
- Warranty does not cover internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
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.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke