Audemars Piguet, “Royal Oak”, Ref. 5402

Launched in 1972 the “Royal Oak” Ref. 5402 was designed by Gérald Genta (1931-2011), four years before the “Nautilus” of Patek Philippe, also designed by Genta.

Nicknamed “Jumbo” by collectors, it owes this nickname to its “tonneau”-shaped case measuring 39 mm., who was very large for the time.

Avant-garde, it was the first all-steel watch considered a luxury watch, more expensive at the time than a dress-watch in precious metal. Another characteristic, its case is made of only two parts: the case-back and the case-band in a single part entirely maintained by the screwed octagonal bezel, allowing a perfect water-resistance.

Reference 5402 houses a version of the highly appreciated Jaeger-LeCoultre 920 movement, the ultra-thin AP 2121 calibre.

This reference has been produced in four series, marked:

· “A” (approximately 2 000 pieces);

· “B” (between 1 000 and 2 000 pieces);

· “C” and “D”, each of them with small modifications to the bracelet, dial and movement.