The Royal Oak Sport watch is an emblem not only of this manufacture but also of the world watch industry. Discover its history with Adeler Jewelers!
The advent of quartz watches in the 1970s and 1980s led to the decline of the traditional watchmaking industries.
Quartz watches appeared to wage war on mechanical watches and although it seemed unthinkable, they managed to catch on quickly.
Thus Audemars Piguet needed to launch a proposal adjusted to the new demands of the time and so this legend was born.
Why is the Royal Oak sports watch called that?
To achieve an innovative product they needed someone as creative as Gerald Genta, who undoubtedly was able to create an unforgettable luxury sports watch.
He was inspired by diving helmets to design the watch, which initially aroused doubts, but ended up becoming Audemars Piguet’s flagship product.
The “Royal Oak” owes its name to the oak that saved Charles II’s life in 1641 while fleeing from Thomas Cromwell.
He hid in an oak tree to save his life and then was able to become king of England when Cromwell died 7 years later.
History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak sports watch
It was launched in 1972 and marked the world of watches as no other model had done, especially for incorporating materials such as stainless steel in a luxury watch.
Other curious design details are its bracelet whose links reduce in size until they reach the buckle and of course the most emblematic feature: the screws.
The hexagonal screws are an idea that came to Genta’s head when he saw how they put a diving suit on a diver and he replicated it in this model.
These cannot be screwed in from the front, but are fixed from the back of the case in a different position, but clockwise.
More details about the “Audemars Piguet safari”.
Internally this high-end watch first presented at the Basel fair in ’72 is known as “safari” because it was a luxury sports watch that could be worn even on safari.
The first Royal Oak prototypes were made in white gold, a material that was comparatively lighter and easier to polish.
However, only about 2,000 pieces were made, known as the A Series by collectors, and sales were slow.
The reason is that the size of the 39mm case was a bit excessive compared to the watches of the time, in addition to the price which was quite high.
But 2 years after the launch, Giovanni Agnelli leader of FIAT was spotted with a Royal Oak and from then on sales of the iconic watch skyrocketed.
Reasons to buy a Royal Oak sports watch.
- Quality, with materials that guarantee long durability and resistance.
- Reflecting exclusivity, a high-end watch transforms any look into a sophisticated one and is also a good investment for lovers of classic and luxury watches.
- Assured perpetuity, they are watches that acquire even more value with the passage of time.
- Outstanding designs, including perpetual calendar, minute repeater and chronograph.
The growth of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak family.
The Royal Oak family grew and evolved, in fact, in 1982 was born a rather peculiar Royal Oak, reference 6005, with rectangular case and four pins on the sides of the bezel instead of screws.
Models with various complications such as chronograph, perpetual calendar, tour billion, skeleton, ladies’ models and jewelry watches also appear.
In addition, with different finishes in precious metals, leather or rubber straps, there is a Royal Oak for every taste.
Some outstanding models are:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore.
Its first series was launched in 1993, a challenging model with a sportier and more powerful air than its previous designs.
It has a Mega Tapisserie dial which highlights its aesthetics and gives it its characteristic sporty look.
It has been considered, since its launch, the most important sports watch in the history of watchmaking, its main features are:
- Case: Large between 44 mm and above, and their small cases can reach up to 37 mm.
- Material: Steel, ceramic, white gold and rose gold
- Bracelet: Steel, rubber, leather, white gold and titanium.
- Set: diamonds, sapphires and emeralds.
- Functions: Minute repeater, Perpetual calendar etc.
Royal Oak Concept CW1.
Launched in 2002 to commemorate the anniversary of its first model, the original Royal Oak, its aim was to introduce a futuristic design using avant-garde materials.
At the same time it exhibits the best of traditional watchmaking techniques; the external aspects that this design possesses are:
- Case: Large between 44 mm.
- It has a titanium bezel.
- Main body: alacrite 602.
- Bracelet: Rubber, leather.
- Functions: Chronograph, Minute repeater.
You can find all about this watch here
Royal Oak 15300 by Audemars Piguet.
This model was launched in 2005, and has been offered as a more economical alternative in the range of these luxury watches.
The case is 39 mm in diameter and has a thickness of 9.4 mm, one millimeter thicker than the 15202st model, the reason being that the caliber 3120 was chosen on this occasion.
The main features of this high-end watch are:
- Strap: Steel
- Closure type: Folding clasp
- Case glass: Sapphire
- Diameter: 39mm
- Functions: Water resistant, stopwatch etc.
You can find all about this watch here
How much is an Audemars Piguet royal Oak watch worth?
Audemars Piguet can surprise us with its various models, for example it is impossible not to mention the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi with forged carbon case.
As far as prices are concerned, these can range quite widely from a titanium model at 800,000 Euros to inexpensive models of other materials at 11,000 Euros.
If you are a watch lover and are looking for classic models, you can get stainless steel models for men in 26,000 euros, but there is also the option of more exclusive materials such as white gold and rose gold.
Want to buy a Royal Oak sports watch, count on Adeler Jewelers for authentic timepieces.
Also, if you want to sell a high-end Audemars Piguet watch or any other brand you can do with us the best negotiation, contact us!