Vintage
HSTE's meticulous research uncovers a fascinating, underexplored chapter in Audemars Piguet history: Karl Lagerfeld's long-standing ownership of a unique, all-black Royal Oak Jumbo A-Series. This article delves into the provenance of this distinctive timepiece, offering a rare glimpse into the personal collection of an iconic figure and the enduring appeal of the original Royal Oak design. HSTE's personal acquisition of one of these watches provides an unparalleled perspective on its history and significance.
I wonder that it has not been more widely discussed yet in specialist Forums or Blogs that Karl Lagerfeld is a very long time owner of an AP Royal Oak Jumbo A-Series.
First hand evidence is given by himself in an interview in the "AD - Architerctural Digest" Sept/Oct 2011, page 64-66. KL is asked, whether he has an obsession about particular design objects. His answer (losely translated from the original French interview): (...) "but yes, I have some fetish objects, for example my watch which I wear since 35 years, a Royal Oak"(...)
The special thing about his A-Series Royal Oak is that IT IS COMPLETELY BLACK. As we know, KL - for most of his life - only wore two colors in combination: black and white. The story that I found out is that he had - ordered or been given - several AP RO A-Series, 1973 and 1974 which he wore himself and some of them he gave to very close staff.
I did some research into publicly available material and will try to attach pictures as follows:
- An early Picture (April 2, 1979) total and detail where the black AP RO is very well visible
- A still Picture from an October 23, 2003 interview on Television
- A still Picture from his documentary movie "Lagerfeld confidential" (2007) where he wears his black AP RO in the opening Scene (first few minutes of the movie)
I had a few years back the opportunity to get "the" / "one of the" KL black AP RO. It is an A-Series (A-12xx), delivered in 1973 to Italy. I assume that KL got it as a present as he gets so many things as a present like his cat, his Rolls Royce etc. I assume the watch has been blackened in Italy before being given to him. But this is speculation. The person however I bought the watch from knows that it comes from the KL "entourage".
Hope this is of interest
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5402ST is identified within the Royal Oak series. This reference is part of the Royal Oak "Jumbo" models.
The case material is steel. No further details regarding the case, crystal, or movement are provided.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in the Royal Oak "Jumbo" series. It is a specific iteration within the broader Royal Oak collection.
Was quite a bit fetishist with his Watch. Thank you, and welcome here! Best, Nicolas
Great pictures, great post, share more of your AP!!!! S
Thanks to all for your feed-backs! What info can I add? Not much more than I already gave: Production year 1973, delivered according to the extract of archives of Audemars Piguet to Italy. I had the watch overhauled by AP as there were some issues with the movement. Now it works perfectly again. Cosmetically I always insist as far as reasonable to not change hands, dials and crowns, but in this case as you can easily see the hands had to be changed. I love the Patina of the watch, the used look
Really quite an amazing piece. You've added a completely new chapter of info on the mystique of the AP RO!!! I wonder how the watch was blackened? Was AP able to say anything about that, as it doesn't look like the black is worn off in between the bracelet links. Again, really great, and thanks for sharing this amazing piece with us here!! S
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