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Audemars Piguet 56175SPAudemars Piguet 56175SP

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56175SP.0.0789ST

Iconic with a twist!

Here we have one of the absolute top icons of the watch world, executed in a 33 mm size. Arguably the best watch that Gerald Genta has ever designed.

However, this is not your ordinary Royal Oak. If you look closely you can sport a lot of differences. For instance, this watch does not feature the iconic tapisserie dial that AP is famous for, this one has a smooth glossy dial, which gives it a very unique look. Adding, this Royal Oak has roman numerals on the nine and six o’clock positions, indeed a very rare sight.

Finally, this specific Royal Oak has one more exciting feature, a platinum bezel! ‘’if you know you know”.

Inside this Royal Oak beats the AP caliber 2612, which is quartz for maximum convenience. This is a watch you can just grab and go.

If you are ready to take on the Royal Oak. Come and try it on in our boutique at Reestraat 3 in Amsterdam.

 

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Details
Brand Audemars Piguet
Movement Quartz
Model Royal Oak
Diameter 33 mm
Reference 56175SP.0.0789ST
Bracelet/strap: Steel
Year of production (circa) 1990
Set Content Watch only
Material Steel
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Crystal Sapphire
Dial color Black
Backstory

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak represents one of the most pivotal moments in the history of wristwatches. It is the watch that quite literally saved AP and much of the Swiss watchmaking industry with it. To wear a Royal Oak is to wear a fabled piece of watchmaking history on the wrist.

The story starts in 1969. While the Americans are putting people on the moon, the Japanese prepare to drop a bomb (figuratively, of course!) on Swiss watchmaking. December ’69, Seiko launch the Astron, a battery-powered wristwatch that gets unparalleled accuracy from a vibrating crystal. The quartz watch is born! Overnight, watches have become infinitely cheaper, more accurate, and more durable. The Swiss watchmaking industry plummets into (what has later become known as) the quartz crisis: a failure to cope with the influx of cheap, battery-powered watches from Japan.

With sales crashing in the early seventies, an answer was needed. Audemars Piguet contracted designer Gerald Genta to come up with something revolutionary: a luxury steel sports watch. Genta was briefed at 4PM, the day before the 1971 Basel fair. He would need to deliver a game-changing design by the next morning. Genta took on the challenge and drew a shape that was as alien to the conservative watch world as the concept of a luxury steel watch itself. He would later call it his masterpiece, even though his other designs (a.o. the Universal Geneve Polerouter and Patek Philippe Nautilus) aren’t too shabby either.

Genta took inspiration from a divers helmet. Its octagonal bezel with exposed screws being its most distinguishing feature. The petit-tapisserie pattern dial and integrated bracelet with distinctive connecting links complete an instantly recognizable design. The resulting watch was launched in 1972.

At introduction, the AP Royal Oak was priced at 3300 Swiss francs. That is ten times more than a Rolex Submariner! We might consider the trusty Sub to be a luxury sports watch now, but this Audemars was in a different league altogether! There were solid gold Pateks that cost less at the time.

The Royal Oak became a massive success. Patek Philippe later followed its example with the Nautilus in 1976 and Vacheron Constantin with the Ref. 222 in 1977. Many Royal Oak variants followed. Different sizes, complications, colors and materials. The Royal Oak became one of the most iconic watch designs ever, highly sought after by collectors and virtually unobtainable for the lay person. Even for the lay person with money, as AP would cap its output and restrict sales of some variants to only the loyalest of its customers.

Today, the Royal Oak, both vintage and modern, is one of the single-most desirable watches out there. So if you are in the position to get your hands on this one, our advice is to make your deliberations quickly!

Shipping

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Brand

Audemars Piguet

Model

Reference

56175SP.0.0789ST

Year of production (circa)

1990

Material

Steel

Crystal

Sapphire

Dial color

Black

Movement

Quartz

Diameter

33 mm

Bracelet/strap:

Steel

Set Content

Watch only