Gérald Genta

Developed during the quartz crisis which strongly hit the Swiss watch industry in the late 1960s and beginning of the 1970s, the Royal Oak revolutionized the industry and created a new category: 'stainless steel sports watches'. The novelty coincided with the tendency for less ostentatious watches as the focus had shifted towards understatement and quality. The Royal Oak was an all-purpose watch that was the perfect fit for different occasions, ranging from daily use to formal occasions.  

Inspired by the look of a diving-suit helmet, the monobloc case along with the octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, create an aesthetically appealing design that makes this watch such an emblematic model which is sought after by collectors everywhere. 

Sotheby's is extremely pleased to offer the watercolour painting of the original prototype design by Gérald Genta, which includes all features and characteristics that will become so emblematic for the model. Beautifully crafted on blue paper and signed by the artist himself, this lot encompasses both beauty and historic importance.