Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402ST A Series - One of First 100 Made!

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an icon. It is the original luxury sports watch that created and defined the category. Introduced at BaselWorld in 1972 after being designed by Gérald Genta, it turned the Swiss industry upside down and changed the fortunes of the struggling Audemars Piguet. It’s no surprise, that Patek Philippe hired Gerald Genta a few years later to introduce their own version of a steel luxury sports watch: the Nautilus.

The origin of the species is the Royal Oak reference 5402ST - nicknamed the “Jumbo”. It is no surprise that the A series examples are hotly hunted and desired by collectors around the world. Only a few seem come to market each year - at most. But to have a chance at one of the first 100 made? Darn near impossible. The last one I saw come up for sale from the first 100 was A2 and sold for 1,058,000 CHF in May 2022.

I am thrilled and honored to offer one of the first 100 made for sale in “full spec” original condition. The bluish-grey tapisserie dial is in excellent condition, which is uncommon for these. Often these early dials can have an uneven and sometimes unattractive patina. The watch should fit a wrist up slightly over 7 inches and features the original flip “Audemars Piguet” flip clasp (often replaced with the AP flip clasp) with the Gay Freres “GF” logo and 1/72 date code indicating it was made in the first quarter of 1972. The case measures 39mm in diameter (48mm lug to lug) and this is the original “Jumbo”. The case and bracelet have been lightly polished in the past like on the vast majority of these, but are attractive.

This watch does not come with box and papers. We do not know the service history, but it is running well.

For those hunting for a piece of history, this is your chance.

Price: $195,000 (SBUXYT2327)