Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo Quartz' (Ref. 56023ST), 1980s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

The Royal Oak was designed by the legendary Gerald Genta for Audemars Piguet in 1972. That original piece, the ref. 5402, was the most expensive steel watch ever made at the time and was the brand's attempt to shake the standards by introducing a luxury watch in steel that was oversized and pushed the boundaries of the current design trends of the era. The risk obviously paid off, as the steel Royal Oak has become an icon that perfectly strikes a balance between utilitarian function and timeless design. Featuring a beautifully finished case and bracelet, with angular, beveled, and polished edges, plus a polished bezel, screws, and case edge that fantastically contrast with the brushed surface of the case and bracelet to make for one of the most intriguing watches to come out of the era. Naturally, the Royal Oak was refined through the 20th century, and in the late 1980s, Audemars Piguet introduced a new line of mid-size Royal Oaks featuring quartz movements. These slightly reduced in size but remarkably wearable models technically measure in at 35mm; however, with the integrated bracelet and overall very long mid-case design, they retain the classic substantiality one would expect from a Royal Oak. SPECS Stock # AP56023ST Brand Audemars Piguet Style Royal Oak 'Quartz' Model 56023ST Serial Nº 8XX Size Men's / Unisex Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Tapisserie Millimeters 35 Bracelet Audemars Piguet Integrated Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The excellent case remains very crisp and well-preserved, showing sharp bezels and finishing throughout with minimal evidence of previous polishing present. The original octagonal bezel also remains very crisp and well-proportioned condition, exhibiting nominal signs of previous use. The case retains its original, AP-signed crown. The case back is also in excellent condition, with deep factory engravings. The integrated bracelet exhibits almost no stretch and will fit up to a 6 3/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original black tapisserie dial is simply stunning and remains in virtually perfect condition. The tritium lume filled markers feature a lovely tan patina and display no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium hands are also in excellent condition, the minute hand does exhibit some superficial cracking when inspected under UV light though it remains stable with no actual degradation is present, and the hour hand remains fully intact. ACCESSORIES None. The watch just received a new battery and is keeping time perfectly.