Description
It is said that Gérald Genta, like the great artists, was seized by a moment of inspiration and designed this timepiece in a single night after a phone call with Charles Golay (ex director of Audemars Piguet). The first Royal Oak model was presented in 1972 at the Baselworld fair and introduced the concept of “casual chic” for the first time through the use of steel. This opened a new chapter in the history of Audemars Piguet and Haute Horlogerie.
A watch with an unmistakable design with an octagonal bezel fixed to the case by eight visible hexagonal screws and an integrated bracelet numbered “334” made by the emblematic Geneva-based firm, Gay Frères. Its “Bleu Nuit N50” dial with “Tapisserie T21” guilloché motif, also known as Petite Tapisserie, is a masterful example of the harmonious integration of tradition and innovation. The central axis, marked by the double index at 12 o’clock and the “AP” monogram applied at 6 o’clock, emphasises verticality, while horizontality is emphasised by the signature “Audemars Piguet”, accompanied by the words “Automatic” and the date window at 3 o’clock. Diameter of 39 millimetres, thickness of 7.15 millimetres, serial “C”, and automatic calibre 2121 (LeCoultre-derived, created from the JLC 920 calibre) equipped with 36 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (A/h) and a power reserve of 40 hours.
History, technical challenges and innovations together with the echo of Gérald Genta, Gay and Stern Frères make the reference 5402 “Jumbo” the not-so-secret dream of all watch enthusiasts and collectors. The conditions are excellent and the watch is accompanied by the exclusive Watch Insanity set.