Audemars Piguet

• cal. 2121 automatic jewelled movement • black textured dial, diamond-set indexes, aperture for date • Royal Oak case, case back secured by eight screws, screw-down crown • case, dial and movement signed • 18k white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet and folding clasp

Movement running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Dial in good condition with original patina. Case in good condition. Ref. 5402BC, n°B22956.0039, mvt n°174445.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Gérald Genta, who passed away in August 2011, was one of the greatest innovators of the watch industry. He is responsible for some of the most iconic and memorable designs of the 20^th century. The Royal Oak, which Genta designed in 1972, solved the dilemma of how to integrate bracelet and case, in other words rectangle and circle. To achieve this, he eased the joint between the bracelet and case by designing an octagonal bezel which gave a smoother transition from curve to straight by using "straight curves" – even the bezel screw heads incorporate this design by taking the form of octagons rather than circles. But the greatest development is the bracelet, polished nuggets that reflect light in every direction. 
QP magazine, Issue Fifty One 2011, p. 54-58