Royal Oak 1972

There are a few differences between the AP Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore. First, the Offshore is bigger than the classic Royal Oak. Offshore models start at 42 millimeters, while the classic Royal Oak is 41 millimeters or less. The Offshore also has bolder details, such as a larger Tapisserie pattern on the dial. In addition, the Offshore is available in materials not commonly used to produce the classic Royal Oak, such as rubber and ceramic. Find a wide range of Audemars Piguet watches on 1stDibs.

Audemars Piguet (AP) has a great variety of wristwatches under their Royal Oak collection, which was first introduced in 1972. An AP Royal Oak wristwatch could cost from $15,000 to $82,000 and is considered a highly desirable watch. On 1stDibs, find a wide and unique range of AP Royal Oak collections.

How much a Royal Oak Offshore wristwatch will cost depends on model, condition and more. It is visibly larger than a Royal Oak wristwatch. It measures 42mm in diameter while a Royal Oak measures 41mm. Their prices can range from $21,000 to $32,000. Some models can even go as high as $55,000. On 1stDibs, the price ranges from under $30,000 to over $45,000. Find a range of antique and vintage wristwatches here today.

Gérald Genta created the Royal Oak watch. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak wristwatch featured a now-legendary design that Genta borrowed from antique diving helmets. These helmets were crafted in brass and attached to a diving suit with large screws. Genta translated the motif from the rim of the diving helmet to Audemars Piguet’s newest timepiece, setting eight miniature screws into an octagonal bezel, which surrounded a textured “tapisserie,” or tapestry, dial. In addition to its unique bezel design, the Royal Oak — named for a group of vessels in Britain’s Royal Navy, according to legend — was also unorthodox for its material. Though stainless steel is a ubiquitous option in watches today, in the early 1970s, its use was visionary. The Royal Oak was the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from the durable material — a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches. Arguably the most prolific freelance watch designer in history, Genta designed timepieces for Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Bulgari, to name a few, but the Royal Oak remains one of his most influential. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches.

It can be difficult to state exactly what type of watch the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is due to the very nature of its design. Before its release, most watches for men were either dress watches or sports watches. Its creator, Gérald Genta, intended for the Royal Oak to be a bridge between the two. It has sporty features like an octagonal case and specially designed bezel screws, but also has dressier details. Some people refer to it as a sports dress watch due to this unique blend of elements. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches.