Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 18K YG (Ref. 5402BA) Champagne "Logo-Down" Dial, 1970s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Gerald Genta is arguably the most prolific and celebrated watch designer in history, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is arguably his most iconic design. The perception of the Royal Oak shifted as people eventually caught up with the revolutionary design. So much so that it began exceeding expectations, and is now the foundation of the Audemars Piguet brand and the reason for its stratospheric success throughout history. Gerald Genta’s original design and the very first version of the Royal Oak is the reference 5402. Also referred to as the “Jumbo” for its dimensions. With a noble size of 39mm, the original Royal Oak was considered quite large for its era. However, despite the case diameter, the case thickness was only 7mm, a measurement that is still considered thin for an automatic watch by today's standards. This feat of innovation was made possible by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 920 movement, also known as the Cal. 2121 in the Royal Oak, or the Cal. 28-255 in the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which is also arguably Gerald Genta’s most iconic design. Audemars Piguet still produces a 39mm ultra-thin version of the Royal Oak as a direct celebration of the reference 5402. The pièce de résistance, magnum opus, and tour de force for the Royal Oak is the case, bracelet, and dial. Humor aside, vanity is the defining reason for the success of the Royal Oak, it is an unquestionably beautiful timepiece. The Royal Oak was most notably produced in stainless steel with 6,050 units produced in total, of which the first run between 1972 and 1976 was the most collectible of the steel offerings and characteristically known for the “logo down” dials. In 1977 the Royal Oak was reintroduced and officially offered in precious metals, though with diminutive production numbers compared to steel. Only 736 units were ever produced of the 5402 in yellow gold, also known as the 5402BA, with early examples sharing the same “logo down” dial that is so desired from its older steel sibling. Stock # AP5402YG-2 Brand Audemars Piguet Style Royal Oak Model 5402BA Serial 4XX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Champagne "Tapisserie" Millimeters 39 Bracelet Audemars Piguet 18K YG Integrated Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The iconic, angular, large, and beautiful 18K yellow gold case is remarkably well-preserved, showing minimal signs of previous polishing with the original finishing and edges remaining crisp and present. The case does exhibits a natural rosy patina from age and lack of polishing, with subtle signs of use present. The case retains its original unsigned gold octagon crown. The case back retains the factory AP markings in deep and crisp condition. The original integrated "Gay Freres" 18K yellow gold bracelet retains 21 links that show very minimal stretch and will fit a 7 1/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The very rare and handsome champagne "logo down" tapisserie dial is intricate and precisely executed, remaining in flawless condition with no damage or age are present. The tritium filled within the yellow gold markers has aged to an even beige patina and show no degradation under UV light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with an Extract From The Audemars Piguet Archive. The watch is keeping time perfectly, previous service history is unknown.