Audemars Piguet Royal-Oak Jumbo Ultra-thin 14802ST Jubilee with Extract of the Archives, 1997

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

In 1971, amid the Quartz Crisis — which saw traditional Swiss watchmaking threatened by inexpensive Japanese quartz timepieces — Audemars Piguet sought a truly disruptive design. Managing Director Georges Golay famously called legendary designer Gerald Genta on the eve of the Basel Fair, tasking him with creating an unprecedented steel sports watch for the Italian market by the following morning. Launched in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak would go on to revolutionise the industry as the world’s first luxury sports watch crafted in stainless steel. In 1992, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Jubilee, reference 14802. This model marked only the second “Jumbo” in the history of the collection. It distinguished itself from its illustrious predecessor through a three-part case construction, allowing for a sapphire display caseback that reveals a special oscillating weight created exclusively for the Jubilee edition. Production of the Jubilee was limited to 1,000 pieces: 700 in stainless steel, 280 in yellow gold, and just 20 in platinum. Although conceived as an anniversary edition, production spanned several years, with sales extending over nearly a decade. The present example is the stainless steel “Jumbo,” housed in the iconic 39mm case. It is offered in excellent condition, retaining sharp lines and a strong, well-defined octagonal bezel. The dial is equally impressive, featuring the petite tapisserie pattern in a rich anthracite tone, with the same hour markers and signature layout as found on the original reference 5402 — a faithful nod to the very first Royal Oak. The bracelet remains in great condition and currently fits wrists up to approximately 19 cm. The watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives from Audemars Piguet, noting a registered date of 1997. The watch and its automatic calibre 2121 have been fully serviced and are running as they should. An exceptional anniversary “Jumbo” — a true tribute to one of the greatest icons in horology and a reference well worth considering for anyone seeking a pure, time-only Royal Oak. Should you wish to learn more or arrange a viewing, feel free to get in touch. Specifications: Audemars Piguet Royal-Oak reference 14802ST “20 years Jubilee” 39mm steel case with integrated steel bracelet and display case back Serial no D-405xx dating to 1997 Anthracite toned petite tapisserie pattern dial Automatic calibre 2121 with special ,gold hand finished rotor Fully serviced by our watchmaker Audemars Piguet extract of the archives, mentioning a registered date in 1997.