my evidences are ...

Thomas, first of all, sorry for my bad English.
I've heard something about the very first 5402 series with no leading letter, but I've never seen one.
I've asked AP about my "A" series marked A 10XX, case number: 800XX (the same XX of the A number printed on the back) and movement: number: 142XXX and they told me that it was produced and sold in October 1973.
I've evidence of A and B series with following numbers above 1000 arriving until about 1500/1600.
I've evidence of particularly difference within A, B an C series and are the following (please consider what I'm say only as my personal opinion IMHO).

A series
the bracelets is a GF and is marked (in the clasp) GF and the date 1/72 (I've found this only in A series
at the bracelet end when inserting in lugs it has what I call "a double brick" and I've seen that only in GF bracelets
On the flip lock we find Audemars Piguet and not only AP like in C series
on the crown we find nothing printed and not AP like in C series

Sorry again for my bad English

Marco This message has been edited by mstanga on 2009-12-31 02:10:17 This message has been edited by mstanga on 2009-12-31 02:11:10

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The first Royal Oak. The ref. 5402

By: mstanga : December 30th, 2009-12:28

It was 1972 and Audemars Piguet astonished the whole orological world with its first luxury sports watch. The Royal Oak ref. 5402 starting with "A" series printed on the back with AP at 6 hour and a Guy Freres bracelet (1/72) and after 1500-2000 examples ...

Now and always, just beautiful

By: respo : December 30th, 2009-12:37

You are very lucky to have a "B" in what appears to be excellent condition. "Hello" from a younger 15002. Cheers, respo...

Another "Hello" from a younger one :)

By: tripon : December 30th, 2009-12:47

15202 (dial has been changed for an "older" style one)...

Another "Hello" from a younger one ... Bis ;-)

By: p@trice : December 30th, 2009-13:07

AP Royal Oak 15202 Best Patrice...

Mine is a "A" series not a "B" series

By: mstanga : December 30th, 2009-12:53

Mine is a "A" series not a "B" series ...

Even better

By: respo : December 30th, 2009-13:19

I misunderstood what you wrote. I thought you meant you had one of the B series. Wow, yours looks really great especially for an "a." respo

Beautiful A

By: hans_jorgen_1968 : December 30th, 2009-14:38

Hi Marco Really nice looking A series by the looks of it. I have a much younger (late 90s midsize). I would love to have A series in the condition yours has, but would probably miss the second hand. Have you had the watch from new? BR Hans

I bought it several years ago from the first owner.

By: mstanga : December 30th, 2009-14:45

Hi Hans, I bought it several years ago from the first owner. Ciao Marco

That is exactly...

By: hans_jorgen_1968 : December 30th, 2009-15:03

... the way you prefer to purchase a vintage, from the first owner having the providence as well. You are a lucky man Ciao Hans

Very nice piece! Congratulations! Curious...

By: ThomasM : December 30th, 2009-16:22

Dear Marco, Great watch, there are many many fans of the original Royal Oak, and in fact, as you know, some specialist collector interest in the original dial with AP logo over 6. The question of production dates, numbers produced, and case numbers is a p...

my evidences are ...

By: mstanga : December 31st, 2009-01:46

Oops...sorry to miss this for so long, Marco.

By: ThomasM : January 3rd, 2010-18:49

Hi Marco, You're English is fine, no worries. If I think I might misunderstand, I will ask. The first 1000 pieces not having a leading alpha letter was something several AP old timers told me (old timers as in long time AP employees) but I myself have yet...