Reference Guide
Only5402 shares his extensive research and passion for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402 D-series, highlighting its unique characteristics and historical significance. This post is an invaluable resource for collectors seeking to understand the nuances of this iconic reference, particularly the often-overlooked D-series.
...and still a insider tip
some of you know/read about my research about 5402 and of course the passion starded and it
bases on reading everything i found about this watch.
Also after fitting the 15202 it was sure, that it has to be the 5402 and so things happened
and i hunted and catched the 5402 with AP-Logo at 6 and loved and love still that watch.
Often I read about Ref. 5402 the D series was not mentioned and during my later research
work i get in trouble.
There is often misanderstunding, because the later references of the Royal Oak you often find also engraved a D with combination of numbers on the caseback (outside – smaler than the Serial number from 5402). This is the casenumber (later than E...).
Also the 15002 is not D-series, if the meaning from series is (like in 99% from all communication
about Ref 5402 is: Serie A, B, C and D.
One day during research I could become pictures of a 5402 D-series and it comes, as it should
come. During the communication with the owner i recognized that i was trying to by the watch
and I did it.
I tell you this strory today, because in the last month there had been a lot of discussion for
the reason of RO birthday and the new 15202 with logo position at 6.
I really like this attention that the RO become by it´s birthday and also the new 15202.
Some time before easter i get a RO 5402 out of the banksafe to wear it at these days.
I choosed the D-series and put it on my wrist - by myself i asked: „hmmh – no Logo
at 6 position (but) give this watch a chance“
And i had lucky easter days in spite of bad weather, because of „lady D“
And after these days i have to sum up:
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 5402 D really is a quiet and modest star ...
and only 10% from RO 5402 in original condition have the logo at 12
and can be catched for a price less than 20% (and perhabs in better condition)
than a RO 5402 logo at 6 – so it is for me
still a insider tip
that also can give you real 5402 lucky feelings
regards
Stephan
The Royal Oak reference 5402 is recognized as the original iteration of the model, introduced in 1972. This reference established the design language that would define the Royal Oak collection, characterized by its integrated bracelet and octagonal bezel secured by visible screws. It was initially presented as a luxury sport watch, distinguishing itself through its material and finishing in a period dominated by more traditional dress watch aesthetics. The 5402 was produced in various series, with the A-series being the earliest and most sought after by collectors.
The watch features a 39mm stainless steel case, often referred to as the "Jumbo" size, which was considered substantial for its era. It houses the self-winding Caliber 2121, a thin movement derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre's Caliber 920, known for its full-rotor design. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, and the watch offers a water resistance of 50 meters, suitable for general wear.
For collectors, the reference 5402 holds significance as the foundational model of a major watch series. Its various production series (A, B, C, D) present nuances in dial text and case back engravings that are closely examined. The integrated steel bracelet is an integral part of its design, contributing to its distinct profile. The blue dial, often with a "tapisserie" pattern, is a hallmark of this early reference, though other dial variations exist.
Any of us would be thrilled to own such a piece.
Beautiful Watch and I agree even with the logo at 12 the 5402 is very very special. S
especially when you are wearing one. Enjoy your perfect AP. JerryW
that it has also all important 5402 characteristics: the typical grey/blue small tapestry small hands small and long 5 minute markers crown witout AP-Logo and the monocoque case with the typical engraving and the "old style" clasp. It is interesting by a comparsion from two D-series with original "swiss" dial to see,t hat we can find minimum differenses in the writting type "AUDEMARS PIGUET" (second picture from exemplare 300 numbers later than the one on first picture) regards stephan
The font size in the second picture is much larger and almost similar to the newer 2012 15202 AP Royal Oak, so in a way it does have a historical basis, however I do have to say I prefer the smaller font size on the 5402 A, B, C and some Ds as you pointed out. Great Research my friend S
Salman, donΒ΄t let yourself be fouled by the pictures. The font size is the same it only seemes to be different because the "AUDEMARS PIGUET" has a little bit different position to the "nailheads"on the dial. The fonts from seconds watch are only a little bit more sqiggled and we only see this, if we look realy near by. another picture from the dial from the earlier D-series now another picture from the later D-series dial and now the usual look (not so near by) to the later D-series watch But i
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