An icon, the Royal Oak was released by Audemars Piguet in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, who will later also be credited for the design of the Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700. Radically different in design than what the Audemars Piguet manufacture was used in producing, the Royal Oak stunned the watch industry. Made of steel, the name of the model came from a historical tree in England where King Charles II hid from Cromwell’s army in 1651 and was later applied to multiple British naval ships between 1769 and 1914.

With a well-balanced design inspired by porthole’s of vessels, the wristwatch became an unquestionable icon of the 20th century and is still one of the most coveted timepieces to date.