ThomasM
[PuristS]
14331
The RO came with AP logo at 6 starting with the first 1000 pcs
which did NOT have a leading alpha character.
Hi, subgmt,
When released in 1972, the Royal Oak was to be a limited edition of 1000 pieces. After a slightly slow start, it began to take off when, as is so often the case, Italy embraced the leading edge design and the Royal Oak was well on its way to become an icon.
It was so successful that AP decided to make the Royal Oak part of the permanent model range. (I don't think it was ever publically declared to be a limited edition)
After the first 1000 pieces (number only, no leading alpha character) were sold out, subsequent production used case numbers that started with an alpha character. The alpha numeric case numbering protocol started at this time, hence "A series"
All A and most B series, as I understand it, all used the AP at 6.
Late B and early C series started the transition to the AP logo at 12, so some B and C series could have original dials with EITHER AP at 6 or at 12.
What makes this all particularly confusing is that AP has run out of dials with the AP logo at 6, so when an early RO goes in for service and it needs a dial change, it is changed for one with AP at 12. Some of the early redials / dial replacements have aged to the point that it looks like it might be original, and AP's own records are sometimes not exactly unequivocal.
If yours is a true correct A series, it originally should have come with a dial with AP at 6.
It might have had a redial or dial replacement at some point.
I don't think AP will be able to provide an old dial with AP at 6 but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Cheers,
TM
Which is the right dial for AP RO 5420ST A-Series
If your date of manufacturer and model ref are correct, it definitely would be
Thought only the first 1000pcs of 5402ST comes with AP logo at 6
