Audemars Piguet Royal Oak - Foundation Dial

Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland, Audemars Piguet is one of the most prestigious Swiss watchmakers in the world. The company quickly established itself as a leader in the industry, with a reputation for producing fine mechanical watches with intricate complications. Over the years, Audemars Piguet has been known for pioneering new techniques and pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.

The brand has a unique position in the watch world, as it remains independent, with the Audemars family still controlling the company. The brand's history is filled with technical innovations, and it has been recognized for creating some of the finest, most intricate timepieces ever made.

The Creation of the Royal Oak

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was introduced in 1972, designed by Gerald Genta, a renowned Swiss designer who had already created iconic designs for several luxury watch brands. The Royal Oak was revolutionary in many ways, especially because it broke the traditional mold of what luxury watches were at the time.

Before the Royal Oak, luxury watches were typically crafted in precious metals like gold or platinum, with conservative designs. Genta’s vision for the Royal Oak was to create a bold and modern luxury watch that could withstand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style. It was the first luxury steel sports watch, made from stainless steel, a material that had previously been seen as utilitarian rather than luxurious.

One of the most distinctive features of the Royal Oak is its octagonal bezel with exposed screws, which became an iconic design element. The watch also featured an integrated bracelet, making it an all-in-one piece that was both functional and stylish. The design was so bold and revolutionary that it initially met resistance from collectors, who were skeptical about the idea of a luxury watch made of steel. However, the Royal Oak eventually became a symbol of innovation and style, transforming the entire watch industry.

Why the Royal Oak Was So Important

• Material Innovation: The use of stainless steel in a luxury watch was unheard of at the time. The Royal Oak was a game-changer by making steel a material that could be both durable and luxurious.
  
  
• Iconic Design: Gerald Genta’s design, with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, was unlike anything else on the market. Its bold, industrial design became instantly recognizable and remains a symbol of the brand today.
  
  
• Market Impact: The Royal Oak helped shift the perception of what a luxury watch could be. It bridged the gap between traditional watchmaking and a new, sportier luxury aesthetic. The success of the Royal Oak is largely credited with helping Audemars Piguet become a leading luxury watch brand.
  
  
• Heritage of Innovation: The Royal Oak was not just a success in terms of design, but also in terms of its technical prowess. It introduced innovations in both the case and movement construction, with a high level of finishing and craftsmanship that set new standards in the industry.
  
  

Over time, the Royal Oak evolved, and new models were introduced, including the Royal Oak Offshore in the 1990s, which offered a more rugged, larger version of the iconic design. Despite the passage of time, the Royal Oak has remained a staple of Audemars Piguet’s collection and continues to be one of the most coveted watches in the world.