Audemars Piguet “5402BA” Royal Oak

Description

Offered here is an attractive example of the rare and insanely popular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Reference 5402BA, circa 1970s.  Designed by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak is the focal point and main attraction for the legendary watchmaker, and these first execution models have soared in popularity – finding a nice example has become harder and harder.  This particular example is an 18kt solid yellow gold example, given the reference “5402BA”, with the popular grey-dial variant.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak offered here is in great vintage condition.  The case has likely been polished/detailed in the past, with nice sharp edges.  The dial is beautiful, with a warm grey color, with no visible wear or damage.  The original tritium lume is still present on the dial, aged to a nice yellow color; the hands were replaced by AP at some point in the past, seemingly a long time ago, with a lighter yellow patina than the dial, and glowing stronger when exposed to UV light.  The bracelet shows little stretch from use, and will fit approximately a 7.5″.

The caseback is engraved “Ossy Iyizoba”, who appears to have been a Chief Justice (judge) of Nigeria.