Lot 166

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak III

A sporty Geneva wristwatch with centre seconds, date and tropical dial

This fine Royal Oak model is a rare and well looked-after example, which still maintains its original condition and charm. The edges on the case are still sharp and the case itself shows hardly any scratching. The beautifully aged "tapisserie" dial is breathtaking; its pyramid-shaped squares have changed their colour slightly in various places by environmental influences and change from black to a slightly iridescent cognac tone. As appropriate for its time, the "AP" signature sits at 12 o'clock and the "Swiss" designation (without "Made") is below 6 o’clock.

The "Royal Oak" is one of the most iconic timepieces in the horological industry, its story a true legend. When it was launched in 1972 this was one of the first luxury steel watches; it impressed the customers with its edgy design and aesthetic sophistication: the design by Gérald Genta has an octagonal bezel with eight screws, a "tapisserie"-pattern dial and an integrated metal bracelet.