Audemars Piguet
Reference 5402BA Royal Oak 'Jumbo' | A yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Circa 1980
Estimate
40,000 - 80,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: Petite Tapisserie
Caliber: cal. 2121 automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 196'786
Case: 18k yellow gold, case back secured by eight screws
Case number: 303, inside case back stamped B28'689
Closure: 18k yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet with folding clasp
Size: 39 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5402BA is one of the earliest precious‑metal interpretations of Gérald Genta’s original “Jumbo” design. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and produced circa 1980, it preserves the defining elements of the 1972 Royal Oak: the ultra‑slim profile, integrated bracelet, and the octagonal bezel secured by white‑gold screws. The warmth of the gold case and bracelet lends the model a more opulent character while maintaining the clean, understated proportions that made the first Royal Oak a landmark in modern watch design.
Powered by the celebrated Caliber 2121, among the thinnest full‑rotor automatic movements ever produced, the 5402BA combines mechanical finesse with the unmistakable aesthetic codes that shaped the Royal Oak’s early identity. Yellow‑gold examples from this period remain comparatively scarce and are increasingly sought after for their period‑correct charm, refined wrist presence, and their role in establishing the Royal Oak as a cornerstone of contemporary horological design.