Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today, causing an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. At the time the most expensive stainless steel wristwatch available, it most notably housed the extra slim calibre 2121 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, that would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch. Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with early examples being exceedingly popular and collectible. Phillips Watches is offering the present example, a superb all in original condition —with very little signs of wear— Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402ST B-series at their Geneva Watch Auction XIII to take place on May 8th and 9th, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Royal Oak model reference 5402 has been produced in four different batches: A, B, C and D with small design details that made each subtly different. Presented in excellent condition, the present "B-series" Royal Oak is a rare and extremely sought after Audemars Piguet. It is thought that from the original "A-series" production, 2000 pieces were manufactured, while the total production of "B-series" was just 1000 examples.The dial is preserved in excellent condition with the AP logo at 6 o'clock as correctly found on any A and B Series as well as some C Series, furthermore upon closer inspection one can also notice that the clasp on the Gay Frères bracelet is stamped Audemars Piguet as earlier examples were supposed to be.
This example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ is from 1978 bearing movement number 159,322 and case number B-99954/B1954. The watch is accompanied by ‘Audemars Piguet Certificate de Garantie’ dated April 14, 1978, service papers dated March 13, 2006, Bucherer service papers and service Guarantee dated April 18, 2018, additional links and a presentation box.
This example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ B-series from 1978 has an estimate between $43,000 USD and $86,100 USD. Based on the current market conditions for watches from Audemars Piguet, we are confident that this watch will be selling above its estimate and in the $110,000 USD range plus buyer’s fees.
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