In 1972, this iconic model changed the game. While luxury pieces existed since the first pocket watch, luxury sports watches made of stainless steel were a novelty brought about by this very model.
The first of its kind, Royal Oak was designed by none other than Gerald Genta, an artist and watchmaker who’s collaborated with countless brands in the industry. He was the genius behind this watch’s signature octagonal bezel and recognizable tapisserie dial pattern.
Models in this line are Audemars Piguet’s largest collection, and they come in various different sizes, colors, and complications. With mini and jumbo versions and made of stainless steel, platinum, and premium materials in between, these watches can make for a fantastic addition to your collection, regardless of the specific style you go for.
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Key Characteristics of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Octagonal Bezel
All watches in this line feature the signature octagonal bezel enriched with eight hexagonal screws. It is said that Genta drew inspiration from a naval ship’s porthole for this design.
Tapisserie Dial
The recognizable patterned dial makes all Royal Oaks look more intricate and refined. The pattern exists in a few different sizes, including petite, grande, and mega.
Integrated Bracelet
The bracelet is integrated with the case, creating a smooth, seamless transition, regardless of the bracelet material.
Versatile Dial Colors
These models come in a wide variety of dial colors, from white to black, red, turquoise, purple, gold, and all shades in between. Some models even feature the open heart design that lets you see the internal mechanism.
Water-Resistant Case
Although most watches in the collection are not designed for water sports enthusiasts, the standard water-resistance rating is up to 50 m (164 ft). You can also find models that can withstand depths of 300 m (984 ft).
Luminous Coating
Depending on the model, hands and indices will boast a luminous coating that increases its legibility in all environments.
Sapphire Crystal Glass
Synthetic sapphire crystal glass offers exceptional clarity and durability. The watches are treated with an anti-reflective coating for increased visibility.
Rolex Air-King
A homage to aviation, the Rolex Air-King is known for its simplicity and clear, easy-to-read dial. It celebrates the pioneers of flight and the Rolex’s role in the epic story of aviation.
Iconic Features of the Royal Oak
While all these watches are unique in their own right, the octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws is the signature mark present in all of them. As the story goes, Audemars Piguet commissioned Gerald Genta to create a design for a luxury watch made of stainless steel, which he completed in a single night.
A revolutionary idea at the time, Gerald included exposed screws on the bezel, six of which protrude from the case back, as well as an integrated stainless steel bracelet that became the signature style of Royal Oak.
Together with Stern Frères, a renowned dial maker, Gerald created the recognizable tapisserie pattern, which consists of hundreds of flattened pyramids lined up in checkboard style.
Though it took a while for the design to really take off in the luxury watch industry, it’s undeniably one of the most iconic pieces of today.
Premium Materials
Before the introduction of this model, luxury watches were made using precious metals like gold and silver. Audemars Piguet was the first to introduce stainless steel as a premium material. However, while watches in the Royal Oak collection made of steel are still in high demand today, that’s not the only option if you’re interested in this watch.
Some of the most popular watches in the series are made using white, yellow, or rose gold, signature frosted gold, silver, and platinum. Moreover, you can opt for models with elegant diamond and precious stone embellishments, as well as those with gold-applied hour markers.
Regardless of the specific watch you choose, you’ll enjoy the improved readability and durability that comes with scratch-resistant, glare-proof sapphire crystal cover.
Multiple Variants
Though all Royal Oak watches share a largely similar silhouette, the technical specifications can vary greatly from one model to the next.
Extra thin versions are highly popular, with a thickness of just over 3 mm. You can also find models with additional complications, such as the perpetual calendar, the chronograph, the moon phase, and more.
Water-resistant watches rated for 300 m are also a highly sought-after choice, with the most popular models including those from the Royal Oak Offshore collection. If you’re looking for a sportier edge, you can’t go wrong with any watch from the Concept lineup.
With case sizes ranging from just 23 mm in the Mini series to the impressive 44 mm in the so-called Jumbo series, you’ll easily find something that suits your liking. Being the largest collection in Audemars Piguet’s repertoire, the Royal Oak series has something to offer to everyone.
Rich Watchmaking History
A brand founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet has a long and rich history. By the time the 1970s rolled around, it was already an established company known for delivering luxurious watches that were marked by their precision, durability, and elegance.
However, the Quartz Crisis started by Seiko posed a threat to mechanical watch manufacturers and caused a significant decline in sales for Swiss luxury watch brands.
Audemars Piguet’s response to the quartz crisis was the Royal Oak collection. The sports watch made of stainless steel featured cutting-edge technology that delivered unprecedented accuracy.
Equipped with the self-winding Caliber 2121 and an anti-shock system, superior craftsmanship, and a completely novel design, it was a key model in the watchmaking history that solidified the brand's place in the luxury watch market.
Why G&G Timepieces Is The Best Place to Buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
G&G Timepieces gives you access to a broad collection of Audemars Piguet watches from the Royal Oak collection.
Certified Authenticity
Every watch at G&G Timepieces is a true testament to the high-level craftsmanship you’ve come to expect from luxury watch brands. We offer authentic Royal Oak models that have gone through a thorough inspection and have all the necessary authenticity certifications. We ensure that every piece is in pristine condition and ready to adorn your wrist.
A Broad Catalog With Competitive Prices
If you have a classic yet bold sense of style, you’ll easily find a model to your liking at G&G Timepieces. Our catalog contains popular models like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak double balance wheel openworked as well as the elusive, rare models like the perpetual calendar Ref. 25636PT. We strive to keep the pricing fair and competitive, ensuring that you get precisely what you’re after, whether you’re buying or selling.
Luxury Watch Expertise
At G&G Timepieces, we have years of watchmaking expertise. Our experience and expertise allow us to offer tailored guidance and help you choose a model that suits your tastes, preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in a specific Royal Oak Offshore model, or want to compare the available extra thin editions, grande tapisserie patterns, or any specific dial designs, we can help you pinpoint precisely what works for you.
Focus on Customer Experience
An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak isn’t just a watch. It’s an investment that can last you a lifetime, so choosing the right model is essential. At G&G Timepieces, we focus on delivering the utmost customer experience, ensuring world-class customer service and seamless purchases. We’ll make sure that you find a luxury timepiece that’s designed just for you.
Final Thoughts on Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
This historic series of models has completely revolutionized the luxury watch industry. Boasting a completely novel design, unique features, and exquisite sporty yet classy style, it’s a watch that will make for a wonderful addition to your collection.
With colors, styles, materials, and sizes that can suit even the most unique tastes and preferences, it’s a watch that will feel purpose-made just for you.
FAQ
This watch boasts the revolutionary octagonal bezel that was a completely novel design at the time of its release. It also comes with a unique stainless steel integrated bracelet as well as an intricate tapisserie pattern that makes it stand out from other luxury sports watches.
The water resistance rating of Royal Oak watches varies based on the model. Standard watches have a water-resistant case of 50 m, while some models in the Offshore collection have a rating of 300 m.
Glare-proof sapphire crystal over the dial offers superior clarity and durability. It’s less prone to scratches and keeps your watch protected in all environments.
Watches in this series come in a wide variety of premium materials. The most popular option is stainless steel, as that’s the material that made this collection so recognizable. Other options include frosted gold, white, yellow, and rose gold, silver, platinum, and titanium.
Models in this series are iconic luxury sports watches. They come with a wide array of features and styles that make them suitable for sporting events and everyday wear. Offering more of a sporty edge than traditional dress watches, and a more classy design than traditional sports watches, they have the best of both worlds.