AUDEMARS PIGUET | RECTANGULAR ROYAL OAKYELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELETCIRCA 1980

Dial: anthracite TapisserieCalibre: cal. 2502 quartz, 7 jewelsMovement number: 217'482Case: 18k yellow gold Royal Oak, back secured by 6 screwsCase number: B51'727Closure: 18k yellow gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak bracelet and folding claspDimensions:  32 mm, bracelet circumference approx. 155 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. DIAL: and hands in very good condition. CASE: in very good condition, minimal signs of wear, virtually unworn. BRACELET: in very good condition, minimal signs of wear, virtually unworn. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Developed during the quartz crisis which strongly hit the Swiss watch industry in the late 1960s and beginning of the 1970s, the Royal Oak revolutionised the industry and created a new category: « Stainless Steel Sports watches » . The novelty, designed by Gérald Genta, 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 dinners.   Inspired by the look of a diving-suit helmet, the monoblock 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.