Audemars Piguet

The first Royal Oak was created in 1972 and designed by legendary watchmaker, Gerald Genta, who drew inspiration for its shape from a ship's porthole and completed its blueprints overnight. It was introduced as the world's first luxury watch in stainless steel, in the attempt to revitalise traditional watchmaking from the quartz crisis.

After 5 years, in 1977, the Manufacture decided to introduce the precious versions of the 5402, that was the birth of the 5402BA, 5402BC and 5402SA.

While the yellow gold version (BA) was made in 736 examples, the two-tone version (SA) in 951 examples and the stainless steel version in 4.288 pieces, the white gold saw a much more confidential production with a total of only 150 pieces.

This rarity makes the 5402BC the favourite version for collectors.

Interestingly, the white gold (BC) version was in vast majority delivered with a diamond-set indexes dial and baton hands that were tritium free.

The eleven single cut diamonds were either claw set in a square or circular mounting, such as with the present lot.

Presented on behalf of the family of the original owner, recently serviced by Audemars Piguet and accompanied by its certificate of authenticity and extract from the archives, this 5402BC is a very rare opportunity to acquire a wonderful example of the original Jumbo.