Reference Guide
quattro's meticulous overview of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo serves as an essential guide for collectors and enthusiasts. This article, while acknowledging the vastness of the Royal Oak's history, focuses on key references and their defining characteristics, making complex information accessible. His work highlights the evolution of this iconic timepiece, providing a foundational understanding for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of luxury watches.
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.
Extraordinary work as always mate! Lovely info and images - you keep on producing top notch quality content again and again, and I both applaud and appreciate it! 5402SA is absolutely sublime! Wish that AP would reintroduce more bimetal pieces as I just cannot get enough of them! Continuez votre excellent travail!
I almost landed this.one, but the stars were aligned for a different client, who at that time had spent 2mio + at the house in geneva. This is what i was told.
The black one with diamonds, isnt that the "YOSHIDA"?
Emmanuel, another reference quality post! Not easy to do when writing about the Royal Oak. Thanks my Friend!
I sometimes regret selling my reference 14802, but during the pandemic, I attained an approximate 1000% return on my investment and couldn’t resist. One of the few occasions on which I actually made money on a watch! The prices on Royal Oaks are, in my opinion, out of control and unjustified. Here are a few snapshots. Gone but not forgotten!
In my personal opinion RO Jumbo is the most comfortable full metal watch. The only watch that beats it in terms of comfort is Bulgari Octo Finissimo in titanium. But the RO looks way nicer not mentioning the waaay better decorated movement.
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