AUDEMARS PIGUET, STAINLESS STEEL 'ROYAL OAK, A SERIES', REF. 5402ST



Details

CIRCA: 1974
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 39 mm.
CASE NO: A1022
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 185 mm. overall length
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel
DIAL: Black
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Date
BOX: No
PAPERS: No


Lot Essay

This steel ‘A Series’ is part of the first 2000 Royal Oaks ever created. This first series was numbered from A 0001 to A 2000. Indeed, after having sold out the first 1'000 pieces, the eventual success of this model was such that Audemars Piguet took the decision to increase the production to 2'000 pieces. After the ‘A-series’ sold out, manufacture progressed on to the ‘B’ series, ‘C’ series, and so on.
While the Royal Oak watch was entirely designed by Gérald Genta, the bracelets for the reference 5402ST were produced by Gay Frères, the most celebrated bracelet maker of the 20th century. The case and bracelet are one and the same on the Royal Oak, with each link connected by two perpendicular smaller stainless-steel links. This allows for a form-fitting bracelet that follows the curvature of the wrist, making it both striking in appearance and comfortable to wear.
Collectors have long been discovering and researching the rarities from the last almost 50 years of production of the Royal Oak. Early examples from the ‘A’ series and those with tropical dials have captured the serious attention of watch enthusiasts. Genta’s original dominant design allied with limited availability has ensured that the ‘A Series’ watches of the Royal Oak are amongst the most coveted timepieces ever, enjoying a continuously expanding popularity.