AUDEMARS PIGUET | NON SERIES ROYAL OAK REF 5402, STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET, CIRCA 1974

Auction Closed

October 28, 01:13 PM GMT

Estimate

30,000 - 50,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

AUDEMARS PIGUET

NON SERIES ROYAL OAK REF 5402

STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELET

CIRCA 1974

Dial: grey tapisserie

Calibre: cal. 2121 automatic, 36 jewels

Movement Number: 147358

Case: stainless steel, bezel and back secured by 8 screws

Case Number: 99068

Closure: stainless steel Audemars Piguet Royal Oak bracelet

Dimensions: 39 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 170mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

Case: Some scratches to the case, with heavier scratches at 12 and 8 on the bezel. The bracelet is very scratched on the underside and the bracelet is a little stretched.

Dial: with some minor areas of discoloration, above 6 and around the AP. the AP logo is tarnished at the the top. There are losses to the lume on the minute hand and a spot on the hour hand.

Movement: the watch runs when wound but the crown is not able to set the hands/calendar and will need a repair.

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts.

You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."

Developed during the quartz crisis which strongly hit the Swiss watch industry in the late 1960s and beginning of the 1970s, the Royal Oak revolutionised the industry and created a new category: 'stainless steel sports watches'. The novelty, designed by Gérald Genta, coincided with the tendency for less ostentatious watches as the focus had shifted towards understatement and quality. The Royal Oak was an all-purpose watch that was the perfect fit for different occasions, ranging from daily use to formal occasions.

Inspired, perhaps erroneously, by the look of a diving-suit helmet, the monobloc case along with the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, create an aesthetically appealing design that makes this watch such an emblematic model which is sought after by collectors everywhere.

The reference 5402 can be divided into four series, distinguished by the letters A, B, C and D in front of the case numbers. However, the present example does not have a case number engraved on the back. In-depth research, corroborated by the study of M. Stanga on this subject including a letter from Audemars Piguet confirming it, demonstrates that a handful of 5402s, between the A and the B series, was delivered without the engraving of the serial number on the case back. Finding an example of this incredibly rare "non series" is an exceptional discovery.

The present piece has its original and sought-after dial with the low AP logo at 6 o'clock, giving a aesthetically pleasant balance to it. The case is preserved in attractive condition with well defined edges, preserving the essence of the master piece of Gerald Genta.

This lot is a fantastic opportunity for a discerning Audemars Piguet enthusiast to add a central piece to his collection.