Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02

Collection : Royal Oak Model reference : 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02 Case/Size : Steel, 41mm Dial : Skeletonized Movement : Automatic-winding Functions : Hours, Minute Specificity : Double balance wheel Condition : Brand new / 2024 The ‘Royal Oak’ overturned the prevailing codes in 1972 during a period of existential crisis for the watch industry due to the boom of the cheap Quartz watches made in Asia. The company had to come with a bold, solid stainless sports steel luxury watch, they gave the mission to Gerald Genta to design it. He got the inspiration from a deep-sea-diving helmet, the result was an octagonal bezel, visible mounting screws, a large case of 39mm with an integrated bracelet, a very futuristic design for the seventies. Within 2-3 years they sold about 1000 watches establishing a new segment within the industry and pioneered the popularity and desirability of the steel sports luxury watch. The first model released was the reference 5402 known today as the “Royal Oak A series”, with a thin automatic calibre 2121 movement that is still made today. Since they treated steel as gold, the level of finishing was remarkable and so was the retail price, for comparison purpose a similar Rolex sport watch was 10x cheaper. Today, Audemars Piguet still produces a range of Royal Oaks in different sizes (33 to 41mm) for ladies and men, from titanium, rose gold, yellow gold and platinum metals, various dial colours and with different complications. The present watch is the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked 41mm ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02. The skeletonized pink gold-toned dial reveals the intricate craftsmanship of the movement, while the luminescent hour-markers and hands applied in white gold add contrast and legibility. Furthermore, the eight screws on the octogonal bezel come in pink gold, matching the dial and adding a subtle aesthetic touch. At the heart of this watch lies the in-house Calibre 3132, a selfwinding openworked movement composed of 245 parts and 38 jewels. Thanks to the sapphire crystal caseback, the wearer can admire the pink gold-toned movement from both the rear and the front. The mechanical highlight of this Royal Oak resides in the double balance wheel escapement which increases time-measuring performance and stability. The hand finishes are a testament to Audemars Piguet’s mastery in openworked watches with polished bevels, V-angles and straight-gained surfaces. Measuring 41mm, the stainless steel case is paired with a matching integrated bracelet with AP folding clasp to secure the watch to your wrist. Audemars Piguet