Audemars piguet royal oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an iconic luxury watch launched in 1972 that revolutionized the watch industry with its steel sports design and 'tapisserie' dial.

About this subject

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was designed by watchmaker Gerald Genta in a single night as a response to the quartz crisis of the 1970s. Audemars Piguet sought a steel sports watch that could compete with traditional Swiss models. The result was an octagonal bezel with exposed screws, an integrated bracelet, and a 'tapisserie' guilloché dial, which became the model's signature.

The original Royal Oak, known as the 'Jumbo' for its large size at the time (39 mm), was equipped with the caliber 2121, an ultra-thin automatic movement. The case and bracelet are entirely in stainless steel with alternating polished and brushed finishes. Water resistance of 50 meters and a screw-down crown were innovative for a luxury watch.

Over the decades, the Royal Oak line expanded to include variations such as the Royal Oak Offshore (more robust), models with complications (chronograph, perpetual calendar, tourbillon), and limited editions in precious metals. The design remained essentially unchanged, cementing the Royal Oak as one of the most recognizable and desirable watches in the world, worn by celebrities and enthusiasts.

Production of the Royal Oak is still handmade at the Audemars Piguet factory in Le Brassus, Switzerland. The original 1972 model is considered a milestone in industrial design, influencing generations of luxury sports watches. Its history includes overcoming initial criticism to become an icon of high watchmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the watch called 'Royal Oak'?

The name 'Royal Oak' honors the British warship HMS Royal Oak, whose porthole shape inspired the octagonal bezel. The term also refers to the royal oak tree that hid King Charles II during an escape.

What is the difference between the Royal Oak and the Royal Oak Offshore?

The Royal Oak Offshore is a larger, more robust version launched in 1993. It features a 42 mm or larger case, rubber crown and pushers, a more sporty design, and superior water resistance (100 meters).

Is the Royal Oak movement made by Audemars Piguet?

Yes, all modern Royal Oak movements are in-house Audemars Piguet calibers. Historical models used movements such as the caliber 2121 (based on Jaeger-LeCoultre) and later own calibers like the 3120 and 4302.