Lot 2311
  • 2311

AUDEMARS PIGUET | RARE STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELET, RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO.REF 5402ST MVT 159476 CASE B1213 ROYAL OAK JUMBO CIRCA 1976

Estimate
200,000 - 400,000 HKD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • RARE STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE, TROPICAL DIAL AND BRACELET, RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO.REF 5402ST MVT 159476 CASE B1213 ROYAL OAK JUMBO CIRCA 1976
Movement: cal. 2121 automatic, 36 jewelsCase: stainless steel, case back secured by 8 screwsBracelet/Clasp/Buckle: stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet and folding claspSize: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximatively 178mmSigned: case, dial, and movement, dial further signed by retailer

Condition

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The date function is working properly. The dial is very attractive with light patina color particularly in the center. The bezel with very minor signs of wear toward the edges. The case is in good overall condition with light signs of polishing. The case back with minor signs of wear at places, the "Royal Oak" is slightly rubbed, otherwise the watch is in very good overall condition for its age. The bracelet is only slightly stretch and with very minor signs of wear. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Catalogue Note

During the time of the “Quartz Crisis” in 1970s and early 1980s, many watchmakers and brands have take a huge downfall in business or they have discarded their faith in the future of traditional watchmaking. However, the brand Audemar Piguet decided to seek help from Gerald Genta in creating a watch that is simple, elegant and sporty despite the turn of events. The creation of this watch led to the now famous watch model “Royal Oak”. The early version of the Royal Oak, reference 5402 can be categorised into 4 categories, A, B, C and D. Among the 4 series of 5402, the A series is the most sought after in today’s market as it not only represents the beginning of the Royal Oak model, but it is also limited to a thousand pieces, hence its esteemed value. The first 3 series of the model has the logo “AP” positioned at 6 o’clock, however D series is the only series that has the logo “AP” replacing the luminous material at 12 o’clock.

The present watch is a very rare and an uncommon B series of the Royal Oak. The reason for its rarity does not only lies in its evenly tropical/ patina dial, which is very sought after in today’s vintage market, but also because it has a double signature at 6 o’clock. The watch has been confirmed by Audemars Piguet that the case number and movement number matches and the watch was also sold in New York in 1976.