Audemars Piguet (“AP”) Royal Oak is one of most revered fine watchmaking masterpieces ever created. Designed by Gerald Genta and launched in the 1970s, it is the forbearer of now popular “luxury sports watch” segment. It is also the best in its category with diverse possibilities ranging from the simple time-only configuration to extremely complex grand complications.
Founded in 1875, the Le Brassus (Vallée de Joux) based Maison belongs to the most-revered “Holy Trinity” Club along with Patel Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch was initially introduced in 1972 as a suitable timekeeper for affluent individuals with a passion for active lifestyle.
The very first timepiece from this series featured a 39mm diameter stainless steel case topped with the emblematic octagonal bezel. Its case was large in size compared to the standards prevailed in the 1970s. Because of this reason, the debut reference has been known as “Royal Oak Jumbo.”
Presently, Audemars Piguet is offering an extensive range of Royal Oak watch models for men and women. In addition to stainless steel, the collection now includes more luxurious material choices: ceramic, forged carbon, gold, platinum, tantalum and titanium. In this acclaimed series, the brand has also included a superb line-up of chronographs, minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, tourbillons, grand complications and striking watches.
Royal Oak – A Holy Grail Watch
AP Royal Oak is a Holy Grail for aficionados and passionate collectors. It represents a compendium of innovations, design ethos and various art-crafts involved in the high-end horology. Let us explore the special attributes that make this AP watch a collector’s delight:-
The original Royal Oak watch model was designed by Gerald Genta, the creative genius behind several horological masterpieces. This iconic timepiece is known for its pioneering features like octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws, integrated bracelet and Tapisserie pattern dial. Every timepiece from the collection seamlessly blends these distinctive characteristics. This timeless design is a key element in elevating Royal Oak as an ultimate collector’s piece.
The AP Royal Oak timepieces usually feature compact dimensions. The standard case sizes are 33mm, 34mm, 37mm, 38mm, 39mm and 41mm. Only a few models – like Grand Complication and Minute Repeater Supersonnerie – have large cases with diameters 42mm and above. Along with the iconic design, connoisseurs will be delighted with the elegant proportions of Royal Oak. Moreover, integrated metal bracelets offer better fitment and optimum comfort for your wrists.
Another desirable attribute is the impeccable finishing of exterior parts. Firstly, the hand-polished and satin-finished surfaces of the case and bracelet generously provide each Audemars Piguet Royal Oak an eternal charm. The collection also includes new models with the captivating “Frosted Gold” finishing.
Majority of AP watch Royal Oak timepieces feature the signature Tapisserie dials. Depending upon the version, the brand uses Grande, Petite or Evolutive pattern. Apart from this emblematic guilloche pattern, the brand is also offering dial choices like fume, sun-brushed and open-worked. These original dial designs always catch the attention of haute-horlogerie enthusiasts.
A key characteristic for deciding the collector’s value is the presence of a micro-mechanical heart with an eternal nature. For Royal Oak, AP uses in-house calibers that represent the pinnacle of uncompromising craftsmanship. These meticulously crafted horological engines are known for their exceptional reliability, endurance, superb finishing and outstanding chronometric precision.
Another aspect attracting collectors to AP Royal Oak is its great investment potential. It usually sells higher than the estimates during the auctions. And in the secondary market, its selling price is skyrocketing. So, it is worth to acquire a Royal Oak watch as an investment with good returns.
The functional independence of a brand is always a significant factor when it comes to collecting fine watches. At the present time, only a few watchmaking companies remain free from the influences of corporate groups. Audemars Piguet is an independent brand and the most important is that it is still in the hands of the members of founding families. Being one of the most admired wristwatch collections from the long-established Maison, AP Royal Oak is a highly desirable timepiece in every fine watch collector’s wish list.
Finding a Royal Oak that suits your budget
Before concluding this article, let us unearth a Royal Oak that ideally suits your budget and preferences. First of all, it is one of most expensive wrist watch collections in the market.
The least expensive men’s watch from this valuable collection is the stainless steel 37mm Royal Oak selfwinding model with the date. Available with a Grande Tapisserie dial, this timepiece costs around HKD 187,000. Its 41mm variant in steel retails at HKD197,000. Audemars Piguet is offering the 39mm stainless steel Royal Oak Jumbo Ultra-thin gent’s wristwatch with a price of HKD257,000. The 18K gold versions of 37mm, 39mm and 41mm automatic date models usually sell above HKD300,000.
In the chronograph segment for men, the brand has included self-winding models with 38mm and 41mm sizes. The 38mm stainless steel of AP Royal Oak chronograph watch costs about HKD253,000 while its 41 variant retails at HKD263,000. Their 18K gold models usually sell above HKD500,000. If you choose a leather strap instead of a metal bracelet, the prices will be more accessible. However, this option is not available with all models.
The Double Balance Wheel Open-worked model is a prominent member of the Royal Oak collection. As the name suggests, it spotlights a complex mechanical skeleton movement with two balances. This 41mm timepiece comes with a steel, gold, frosted gold or ceramic case. The retail price range starts at HKD547,000 for steel models. The ceramic version costs about HKD715,000 and the AP Royal Oak rose gold model sells around HKD 725,000.
Available in steel, ceramic, gold and titanium versions, Self-winding Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar watches usually sell above HKD 650,000. They feature one of the most practical horological complications and offer an enduring display of day, date, month and leap years. Impeccably dressed in a 41mm diameter case, this timepiece is highly sought-after by experienced collectors.
Tourbillon is the most enchanting watchmaking mechanism. The Royal Oak collection includes an outstanding selection of self-winding flying tourbillon watches. They are available in gold, platinum, steel and titanium versions. The Audemars Piguet HK retail price range is above HKD1,000,000.
The other timepieces like the Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, the Grand Complication and the Minute Repeater Supersonnerie usually cost above HKD2,000,000.
For women, the Royal Oak collection has included 34mm & 37mm self-winding models as well as a 33mm quartz series. Available in gold, steel and titanium versions, they usually sell above HKD 125,000.
The selling price of the Royal Oak diamond-set timepieces can fetch up to multi-million dollars.
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