Following the launch of the Royal Oak in 1972, Audemars Piguet continued to innovate its designs in response to the rapidly developing quartz era. In 1978, answering the growing demand for a quartz sports watch, the manufacture introduced reference 6005, a daring and highly distinctive addition to its catalogue.

While reference 6005 shared several design codes with the Royal Oak reference 5402, notably its integrated bracelet and Petite Tapisserie dial, its case departed dramatically from the familiar octagonal form in favour of a striking rectangular design. The horological community has long noted the resemblance between reference 6005 and the Royal Oak, although whether it was officially considered part of the collection has remained a matter of debate. According to research, in catalogues dating from 1978–1979 and thereafter, reference 6005 was never described as a Royal Oak, but simply as ‘Quartz’.

The present timepiece is the rarer ‘Jumbo’ version, measuring 32 mm. in width. Its remarkably thin case houses the quartz calibre 2511, distinguished by an unusual system for setting the time. The crown controls exclusively the hour hand, while the minute hand is adjusted independently by means of a small recessed pusher positioned in the centre of the crown.

The present example is further distinguished by the highly coveted Khanjar emblem prominently displayed on the upper portion of the dial. More significantly, this is not the standard Khanjar associated with the Sultanate of Oman, but the exceptionally prestigious ‘Crowned’ or ‘Royal’ Khanjar, identifiable by the crown positioned above the traditional coat of arms.

While watches bearing the standard Khanjar emblem were presented to honoured recipients by the State of Oman, it is said that timepieces displaying the ‘Crowned’ or ‘Royal’ Khanjar were personally bestowed by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said as an expression of his own gratitude. Such a gift represented a tremendous honour, adding an exceptional layer of provenance and historical significance to this already rare and unconventional Audemars Piguet reference.