The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is arguably the most famous timepiece in the Swiss luxury watchmaker collection. Introduced in 1972, this timepiece is now about half a century old, yet is considered one of the most iconic watches of all time. 

The Royal Oak isn’t just Audemars Piguet’s flagship timepiece, it is also the world’s first luxury sports watch. It’s the wristwatch that kickstarted a whole new era in the Swiss watchmaking industry and became a template for several of the most prominent luxury watches manufactured so far. 

Despite being so old, the Royal Oak is still often hailed as a modern Icon. It is one of the most recognizable timepieces in the world and practically everybody wants one. From avid collectors to the average luxury buyer, everyone wants a Royal Oak in their collection. But why is this so? Why is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak on every collector’s wishlist? In this article, we’ll review some of the top reasons why the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watch is such a sought-after timepiece. 

Backed by a Reputable Brand

This is perhaps the biggest reason for the enduring desirability of the AP Royal Oak. The timepiece is owned by one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world. Founded in 1875, Audemars Piguet is part of the Holy Trinity of Swiss matchmaking. 

Even more important is the fact that the watch and the brand’s identity have become quite intricately intertwined. Considered AP’s flagship model, it’s hard to think of Audemars Piguet watches without mentioning the Royal Oak. Consequently, collectors or enthusiasts looking to own an Audemars Piguet watch (or a timepiece from any reputable watchmaker for that matter) have to consider buying a Royal Oak. it simply can’t get any more prestigious than this timepiece. 

A Rich History 

In the luxury timepiece market, sentiment is one of the biggest value drivers, and nothing creates sentiments better than a good back story. The Royal Oak just happens to have one of the coolest backstories in the Swiss luxury watch market. 

The birth of the Royal Oak couldn’t have been better timed. The idea for this watch was conceived in the 1970s, at a time when the entire Swiss watchmaking industry faced one of its biggest challenges. The existential threat was known as the quartz crisis characterized by the incursion of cheap battery-powered quartz watches that threatened to run mechanical dress watches out of business. 

In the middle of this, Audemars Piguet made the unusual decision to create a luxury sports watch. It was either a hit or a miss. A decision that could either spell doom for the watchmaker or save its business. Fortunately, the Royal Oak turned out to be a massive success and its template saved not just Audemars Piguet but several other Swiss watchmakers. This impressive history, summarized in just a few words captures the sentimental essence of this timepiece and explains why it’s such a sought-after timepiece. 

Refined Style 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first timepiece that sought to appeal to the buyer’s sense of style. Before this timepiece, Swiss watchmakers boasted about the mechanical sophistication of their watches. As the charm of super sophisticated watches began to wear off, buyers started searching for a different reason to justify splashing a fortune on a mechanical watch. 

Audemars Piguet’s answer to this was to create a luxury sports watch, made of steel, and refined so much that it compelled buyers with its magnetic style. The first watch in the series had such an imposing presence on the wrist, that it was nicknamed the Royal Oak Jumbo because it was larger compared to the standard watches of the 1970s. Such was the style and impressive design of the Royal Oak, that it became instantly recognized as the timekeeper for affluent individuals with a passion for active lifestyle.

Created by a Design Genius 

It’s hard to talk about the popularity of the Royal Oak without mentioning the brain behind this iconic wristwatch. Gerald Genta is the genius behind the design of this “unprecedented steel watch” and his influence alone is one of the reasons why this timepiece is so popular. 

The young Swiss industrial designer was an up-and-comer by the time he designed the Royal Oak. He had already worked for big names in the watch industry like Universal Genève and Omega. Even more impressive was the fact that he came up with the design overnight based on a brief shared with him over the phone  by the company’s CEO at the time. Today, Genta is credited as the creator of several other iconic timepieces, but the crown jewel of his achievement has to be the Royal Oak. 

Unusual design 

Of all the Audemars Piguet timepieces, the Royal Oak is by far the most recognizable. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say it is one of the most recognizable timepieces ever made, all thanks to its unusual design. This alone is enough motivation to want to get this watch for your collection. 

In creating the Royal Oak, Gerald Genta decided to ditch the traditional round shape that was the standard in contemporary timepieces at the time. Instead, he went for the rather unusual tonneau-shaped case with a prominent octagonal bezel. This design was inspired by a deep-sea diver’s helmet and the portholes of a ship. 

The result was an unmistakable design that has inspired countless other pieces. The distinctive bezel has now become a sort of standard template that modern Audemars Piguet’s designers simply adapt to suit different purposes while expressing their creativity. 

Versatile Timepiece 

For any luxury watch collector looking for a functional and versatile timepiece that works for every occasion, the Royal Oak has to be top of your list of considerations. It is one of the first things that stands out when you see this watch and a major reason many people want it. 

This striking timepiece features polished components that beautifully reflect light and maintain a tremendous presence regardless of the outfit you choose to pair it with. It pairs well with a casual t-shirt and jeans combo, but can also be worn with formal attire without looking out of place. 

Suitable For Different Tastes And Preferences 

The versatility of the Royal Oak is further reflected in how well Audemars Piguet has managed to adapt the timepiece to a wide range of models and designs. The Royal Oak has featured virtually every complication possible and also comes in a wide range of color options. There are Royal Oak versions for every precious metal possible, including titanium, diamonds, and different Gold varieties. 

The availability of different versions and references of this watch means there’s a Royal Oak to cater for a collector’s specific preferences. As a collector or enthusiast curating a collection that aligns with your taste, style or investment strategy, you’ll have no hard time finding a Royal Oak that fits right into the puzzle. 

Good Investment Potential 

For collectors interested in watches that fetch good investment returns in the long term, it’s hard to go wrong with the AP Royal Oak. The timepiece has always been famous for its impressive value, which tends to grow over time. 

When it was first released, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch price was 3300 Swiss Francs. It was one of the most expensive watches at the time, prized higher than Patek Philippe Dress watches and even the Rolex Submariner. In fact, it was advertised as “The costliest stainless steel watch in the world”. This reputation eventually caught on and helped to seal this watch’s position as a valuable piece in the high-end luxury watch market. 

Today, the Royal Oak has proven to be just as valuable. Buying this timepiece is always a good investment since it tends to sell higher on the secondary market. In general, Audemars Piguet watches (especially the Royal Oak) have been known to hold their value or even appreciate over time. This is driven partly by the timeless appeal of this watch, its loyal following and limited production quantities. 

Conclusion 

At the time it was born, the Royal Oak was a bold innovation by Audemars Piguet watch. However, the factors that led to the collection’s creation and its evolution over the years have contributed significantly to its reputation and value. Today, it is a highly sought-after wristwatch loved by collectors and desired by enthusiasts who can afford to get one. Whether you need an investment piece or a beautiful watch that suits your style, you can always find an ideal Royal Oak timepiece for you.