Lot 284

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak Jumbo

A stunning vintage Geneva wristwatch with date and tropical dial - "cult" watch from the "C" series. In August 2021 the watch was given a revision by Audemars Piguet

When the Royal Oak was launched in 1972, its unusual design with octagonal bezel, "tapisserie" dial and integrated bracelet was considered extremely novel and unorthodox – and it made the watch a true modern style icon.
The first Royal Oak series consisted of 1,000 pieces. After another series of 1,000 pieces with the prefix "A", Audemars Piguet continued with "B" and "C" series etc..
This fine Royal Oak model is a rare and extremely well looked-after example from the "C" series, which still maintains its original charm. Absolutely fascinating is the wonderful "Tropical Dial" with uniform grey to light brown discolouration. This is an early service "tapestry" dial that was installed in the watch in the 1990s. These dials are known to change colour over the years from black to that great grey-brown. At the same time, the hands were replaced, but they are identical to the original hands from the 1970s - on the wrist, a true beauty with grandiose vintage charm.