NO. 129, MOVEMENT NO. 211778, CASE NO. B43466

Consigned by the original owner, the present watch is a rare opportunity for Royal Oak collectors to obtain an example of this much coveted white gold version with original diamond-set dial.

Bearing the number 129, it is crafted out of solid 18K gold, its weight is impressive when compared to the regular Royal Oak production stainless steel versions. Measuring an oversized 39 mm. in diameter, this watch bears the sought-after mini “tapisserie” patterned dial, a texture found on all early Royal Oak dials and resembling small pavestones.

Originally designed and produced only in steel, Audemars Piguet decided to launch a limited number of their then already landmark Royal Oak watch ref. 5402 in white gold. Rarely appearing at auction, this reference 5402BC is one of only 149 believed to have been manufactured in white gold, rendering it one of the rarest variants of the Royal Oak model.

Introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was designed by Gérald Genta. The watch featuring an octagonal screwed bezel that was initially inspired by a ship's porthole is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic wristwatch designs of the 20th century. Not only was it the basis of the brands' success until today, it also was the forerunner of other iconic watches like Patek Philippe Nautilus, likewise being based on similar design principles by Gérald Genta.

Audemars Piguet chose the name “Royal Oak”, based on the story of King Charles II of England’s escape from the Roundheads - the supporters of the Parliament during the English Civil War - following the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Allying dominant designs and ground-breaking materials, timepieces of the Royal Oak collection are amongst the most coveted wristwatches ever, enjoying a continuously expanding popularity.