Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak revolutionised the luxury watch industry and remains one of the most coveted timepieces in existence.
The History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was designed in a single night, saved a struggling company, and created an entirely new watch category. Here’s the story.
1972: One Night in Basel
Legend has it that AP’s managing director George Golay asked Gerald Genta for a steel sports watch the night before the 1972 Basel Watch Fair. Genta, dining at a restaurant, sketched the design on a napkin that evening. The octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws β inspired by a diver’s helmet β was born.
The Controversy
At 39mm with an integrated steel bracelet, the Ref. 5402 “Jumbo” was unlike anything in AP’s catalogue of traditional dress watches. Priced higher than many gold watches, it was derided by some as the “ugly duckling.” But it sold. And kept selling.
1993: The Royal Oak Offshore
Emmanuel Gueit designed the Royal Oak Offshore β a larger, bolder interpretation that appealed to a younger audience. It was controversially dubbed “The End of Watchmaking” by traditional collectors.
2012-Present: Cultural Icon
Hip-hop culture, celebrity endorsement, and the rise of social media transformed the Royal Oak from a watch into a status symbol. The Ref. 15500ST with its 41mm case and blue tapisserie dial became the definitive modern Royal Oak.
Super Clone Appeal
With genuine Royal Oaks commanding Β£30,000+ and years-long waiting lists, the super clone offers the Genta experience to true enthusiasts. Audemars Piguet super clone collection to explore our AP collection.