AUDEMARS PIGUET
Ref. 15002 ST
No. 034
No. D-67655
Extra large stainless steel wristwatch
Round case, back and bezel screw closure, signed
Patinated “tropical” dial, applied baton indexes and
luminescent hands, date window, signed
Automatic movement, caliber 2121, signed
Diam. 38.5mm
Wrist circumference. 18 cm
With: a fitted presentation box and certificate of origin
booklet from Audemars Piguet

The Royal Oak reference 15002 is a rare piece that rarely appears on the auction market, especially complete with all its original accessories, like our present example entrusted by its original owner.

Launched in 1996, this reference resembles in many aspects to the first of all the references produced, the famous 5402 with its extra large case and this slim profile with the famous tapestry dial and the applied AP logo.

The dial of our example has a rare and sought-after patina, called "tropical", which means that the background due to the natural weathering of time has transformed into a patina with a natural brown aging process on the "tapestry" dial.

The Audemars Piguet signature and the inscriptions have not changed, they remain white, which gives a tri dimensional effect to this dial which is unusual for this type of reference, which we rarely see.

The automatic movement houses a caliber 2121 which is a classic of the great manufacture located in Le Brassus, it is extra thin (3.05 mm), a base caliber from the house of Le Coultre Cie, which was then adapted and used by Audemars Piguet.

Caliber 2121, now produced completely in-house by the manufacture, is one of the best-sellers of Le Brassus watch manufacture. It was introduced on Audemars Piguet watches in October 1970 and chosen for the Royal Oak model.

According to studies, only 186 stainless steel pieces were made (along with 27 in yellow gold), making the current example number 034 one of the very first models produced from 1996 onwards.

Preserved in good overall condition despite visible signs of wear and visible scuffs, this example offers an opportunity to own a vintage Royal Oak, “Jumbo” model, which is among the rarest ever produced.