Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ 5402ST A-series, 1974, Excellent Condition, Archival Papers & Box

This watch is the rarest original version of the iconic Royal Oak ‘Jumbo’ 5402ST in a super attractive condition. The AP Royal Oak pioneered the genre of sporty, elegant luxury watches in stainless steel when it was introduced in1972; and was the inspiration for the Patek Philippe Nautilus that followed four years later. Both watches, along with the IWC Ingineur jumbo, were designed by Gerald Genta and initially did not sell very well because of their forward-looking design, large size, and hefty price tag for a steel sports watch. There were exceptions to the market pushback. The Shah of Iran who was a knowledgeable and prolific collector of watches and cars, purchased the first Royal Oak while it was still in the prototype stage. All three models have become highly valuable, collectible, and copied timepieces since the 1970s. When he designed the case, Genta sought to replicate the system of an old-fashioned deep-sea divers’ suit with screws fastening the helmet to the body. The watc