Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Nick Faldo (Ref. 56175TT), 1990s

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Royal Oak is one of the most important watch designs of the twentieth century. Introduced in 1972 and designed by Gérald Genta, it challenged conventional ideas of what a luxury watch could be. Its integrated bracelet, exposed bezel screws, and sharply faceted case created a design language that remains instantly recognizable more than fifty years later. This particular Royal Oak Championship reference represents a lesser-seen chapter in that history. Released during the 1990s and limited to 2,000 pieces, the model was produced as part of Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Championship series. While many collectors focus on the mainstream steel references, special editions such as this provide a glimpse into the brand's experimentation with materials and limited-production models long before such releases became commonplace. The reference 56175TT is especially notable for its use of tantalum, a metal rarely encountered in watchmaking due to its difficulty to machine and finish. Tantalum develops a distinctive blue-grey appearance that differs noticeably from steel, giving the watch a character that is immediately recognizable in person. Audemars Piguet paired the tantalum construction with yellow gold accents, including the bezel screws and dial furniture, creating a subtle contrast that feels very much of its era. At approximately 33mm, the watch reflects the proportions of early Royal Oaks before larger case sizes became the norm. The integrated bracelet and thin profile allow it to wear comfortably while maintaining the elegance that made the original Royal Oak such a departure from traditional sports watches. Today, examples with strong dials and well-preserved case geometry have become increasingly difficult to find. Writer’s Thoughts There is something special about the early and mid-period Royal Oaks that gets lost in modern interpretations. The proportions are restrained, the bracelet is incredibly comfortable, and the use of tantalum gives the watch a look unlike anything else. The dial on this example is particularly strong, with the petite tapisserie pattern remaining sharp and evenly preserved throughout. For someone looking for a Royal Oak that stands apart from the more commonly encountered references, this is exactly the kind of watch worth spending time with. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Audemars Piguet Model: Royal Oak Championship (Ref. 56175TT) Year: 1984 Case Material: Tantalum and steel Case Size: 33mm Bezel: Steel bezel Dial: Grey petite tapisserie dial with applied markers and date display Movement: Quartz Strap/Bracelet: Integrated tantalum bracelet Buckle/Clasp: Audemars Piguet folding clasp Contents: Watch only Condition Case: Well-preserved overall with strong original brushing visible throughout the tantalum surfaces. The case shows honest wear and light marks consistent with age while retaining sharp Royal Oak lines and definition. Dial: Excellent condition with a particularly clean and well-preserved petite tapisserie pattern. No notable blemishes visible and the printing remains crisp throughout. Hands: Original matching hands in excellent condition with light aging consistent with the watch's age. Crystal: Clean overall with no signs of wear visible. Strap/Bracelet: Original tantalum bracelet showing normal wear from use while remaining structurally strong and well-preserved. Buckle/Clasp: Original Audemars Piguet clasp functioning correctly with light wear consistent with age.