First launched in 1972 as a luxury stainless steel sports watch, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402 certainly was a somewhat surprising release from one of watchmakings Holy Trinity, given that the category of watch did not even exist until AP created it.

With its infamously large 39mm Jumbo tonneau-shaped case sporting an octagonal bezel and exposed screws, it didnt win too many plaudits at the beginning of its life, given just how visually unique it was for the 1970s. The Royal Oak remained in this point of limbo until AP began to expand the collection with precious metal variants, such as the ref. 5402BA that we have here, which is made of 18kt yellow gold.

Launched in 1977, just five years after the Royal Oaks debut, its 18kt yellow gold construction elevated its iconic design to the point of exclusivity and prestige deserving of APs place within watchmaking. Following on, the Royal Oak quickly began to find its way onto the wrists of collectors allowing it to permeate within APs clientele to the point of critical mass, which led to its modern success.

A first series example, this particular timepiece features no alphabetic prefix on its caseback and features APs applied logo at the 6 oclock position atop its black Petite Tapisserie dial. Presented in beautiful condition with no notable signs of wear, this superb example deserves its revered place within watchmaking history.