Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402ST, A-series

The A-series Audemars Piguet 5402ST is among the most sought-after Royal Oaks, and finding one in great condition and full specification, as here, is highly rare. It all started in 1972, when Gérald Genta designed the Royal Oak, the watch that saved Audemars Piguet from closing its doors. The design of the dial is covered in an earlier article on the Genta pair 3700/1 and 5402ST.

The present watch has a very strong case, a firm original bracelet with the original matching clasp, the original crown and two AP links. The dial is in splendid condition. It is made with the tapisserie method, finished in a black galvanic bath and protected against oxidation with a thin translucent lacquer.