Ref. 5402A very rare and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet and date Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1978 Reference No: 5402 Movement No: 175’276 Case No: C1’945 Model Name: Royal Oak "C Series" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121/1, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed , - Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak stands as one of the most iconic luxury sports watches ever made. Along with Patek Philippe's Nautilus and Vacheron Constantin's 222, the Royal Oak revolutionized watch design in the 1970s as manufacturers responded to the quartz crisis. - When released in 1972, the Royal Oak commanded the highest price ever for a stainless steel watch, costing more to produce than Audemars Piguet's gold dress watches due the difficulty in finishing stainless steel to their exceptional standard. - Famed designer Gérald Genta created its ingeniously engineered, maritime-inspired case with an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. The striking tapisserie dial was equally groundbreaking. Though initially met with skepticism by competitors, the Royal Oak proved an enduring success, today accounting for the majority of Audemars Piguet's sales. - Early examples featured the "AP" logo at 6 o'clock before later versions moved it to 12 o'clock. Collectors denote the "series" by the case number on the back, with the earliest designated "A-Series." This circa 1978 model with case number "C1945" hails from the original "C-Series". Nicknamed the "Jumbo" for its large 39mm size, the ref. 5402 pioneered oversized sports watches. - Offered in very good overall condition, this early Royal Oak encapsulates the magic of the model that sparked a luxury sports watch revolution. For the discerning collector, it is a landmark timepiece showcasing timeless, avant-garde design., A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
