Story
History
Gerald Genta designed the Royal Oak, which was presented at the Basel fair in 1972. The original 5402ST was Audemars Piguet's first sports watch.
The 41 mm selfwinding line moved through the 15400 (2012) and the 15500 (2019). The 15500 introduced the calibre 4302, with a 70-hour power reserve.
The 15510ST arrived in 2022 as an ergonomically improved 15500. Its calibre 4302 carried a special rotor for the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary.
What it brought to the industry
Phillips calls the 1972 Royal Oak a revolutionary luxury sports watch. At launch it was the most expensive stainless steel watch ever made.