Audemars Piguet 15202 Royal Oak watch

The Audemars Piguet 15202 Royal Oak watch is the modern version of the famed Royal Oak "Jumbo" timepiece. This legendary watch, introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1972, seemed to break all the rules by inaugurating stainless steel as a material which could rival gold in luxury and exclusivity. Though viewed with initial skepticism by watch industry insiders of the time, the Royal Oak watch was a huge success, and ultimately came to epitomize the concept of an exquisite luxury sports watch.

The Audemars Piguet 15202 Royal Oak watch offers the same legendary craftsmanship and constructive details as the original Royal Oak watch, including the unique monocoque case which is joined in the middle by the white gold bolts (caseback) that mate with the distinctive white gold hexagonal screws found on the bezel. The case and bracelet of this Audemars Piguet timepiece display exquisite attention to detail, the result of intensive hand finishing operations. Each Royal Oak watchcase and bracelet features many dozens of intricate brushed and polished facets, which contributes to the unique appearance and remarkable luxurious feel.

The Audemars Piguet 15202 Royal Oak watch is animated by a legendary selfwinding movement, the AP Caliber 2121, which has a fascinating story of its own. The Caliber 2120 (the 2121 without date wheel) was created in 1968 by Jaeger-LeCoultre, at the behest of Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe, each of whom contributed input and financial backing into its design. (Although for several years, the rights to the 2120/2121 have been exclusive to Audemars Piguet) At 3.05mm thick, this movement represents one of the thinnest full rotor auto-wind movement ever created.

Boasting unique details such as a rotor which rides fully supported upon a beryllium-bronze ring and ruby rollers, and a unique mechanism which disengages the auto-wind system during handwinding to prevent unnecessary wear, the AP 2121 Caliber is considered by aficionados and collectors to be one of the most beautiful, refined and technically impressive wristwatch movements ever made. Visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback, the extensive hand finishing that is lavished upon this movement can be admired. Bridges are decorated with hand-applied Cotes de Geneve, and the edges of the bridges have been gently rounded using the technique of anglage. The beautiful rotor, which features a 21K gold segment for added mass, has been skeletonized to leave remaining the Audemars Piguet initials; the structure is fully engraved by hand with delicate motifs. The Audemars Piguet 15202 Royal Oak watch is presented in 18K yellow or pink gold, and of course, stainless steel. The cases of these timepieces measure 39mm in diameter, and display the uncanny slimness which is a result of the fine AP 2121 movement. The stainless steel Royal Oak 15202 watches are offered with a blue, silver, or black dial, while the pink and yellow gold versions display a silver dial; all of the dials demonstrate the lovely "Grand Tapisserie" pattern, and hands and hour markers crafted from polished gold. Audemars Piguet has equipped the 15202 Royal Oak watch bracelet with a fine deployant clasp and a elegant clasp release which is marked with the Audemars Piguet initials.