Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Gerald Genta was the first — and arguably, the most important — "celebrity" watch designer.

Having conceived many important silhouettes, his most memorable work — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — was sketched in one day and changed the shape of the watch industry.

The Royal Oak essentially created an entirely new category of 'luxury sport' timepieces, and with it came a new design language that inspired countless other maisons. What's particularly delightful about the design of the Royal Oak is that it works brilliantly in a number of sizes and case materials, from steel to carbon fiber to solid gold.

This example features a traditional two-tone case construction made up of stainless steel and yellow gold. Housed in a 35mm case, all the hallmark RO features are present — an octagonal bezel with exposed screws, a signed, octagonal crown and a fantastic integrated bracelet culminating in a signed, hidden deployant clasp. 

Thanks to the magic of time, this RO’s slate grey grand tapisserie dial has developed the slightest shade of brown undertones and its applied, yellow gold indices have partially patinated into a metallic-blue tone providing a rainbow-like effect when viewed at certain angles.

Featuring an ultra-thin quartz movement, coupled with a slender case profile and an agreeable integrated bracelet, this piece is as easy-wearing as it gets!

Even if it is two-tone!

Audemars Piguet, the vaunted manufacture from Les Brassus, wasn't doing so well at the end of the 1960s. Their horological prowess aside, times were changing, customer tastes were evolving, and AP was stuck firmly in a very traditional past. Fortunately for us, their executives recognized this, and bet it all on the launch of an avant garde timepiece the likes of which the world had never seen.

Utilizing the talents of a designer named Gerald Genta, who would make his name for designing this very watch, AP planned from the beginning to make this new watch - dubbed the Royal Oak - a contradiction to tradition, and it became the world's first luxury sports watch. Made in steel. The gamble paid off, and the watch world clamored to get their hands on the cutting edge design, which featured a sharply angled watch with integrated bracelet, micro tapisserie dial, and ultra thin movement.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.