Audemars Piguet | Royal Oak | Lac de Joux | 20 pieces Limited Edition

ROYAL OAK, C-SERIES, REF. 5402 (1972)

Founded by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in Le Brassus in 1875, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972 and it was a game-changer for the luxury watch industry. Designed by the legendary Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak was the first luxury steel watch with integrated bracelet. Priced at a level above gold watches, it was a polarizing watch and it was unknown whether it would be a success.

However, the watch quickly gained popularity and the first 2,000 in the "A-Series" sold out. Audemars Piguet then made additional watches in the "B-Series" and "C-Series", with all being numbered on the case back. 

The artwork is a tribute to the 1972 C Series Ref.4502. In the background of the timepiece, you will discover the Lac de Joux, located in the valley in the central part of the Jura Mountains where Audemars Piguet established. The stylized approach of the technical design of the timepiece is subtly balanced by a play of poetic colors and realistic textures, a true invitation to adventure.

The mythical mountain located at the tip of the Lac de Joux and which gives its identity to the Vallée de Joux, is called the dent du Vaulion (the tooth of Vaulion). From its summit, it is possible to see 8 different lakes, a unique and extraordinary panorama. In the 18th and 19th century, many legends were told about the mountain, in particular that gold could be found under the tooth of Vaulion. This attracted many gold prospectors to the region and traces of them were even found in the caves of the mountain. Many explorers have written about this mountain, including Horace Bénédict de Saussure founder of Alpinism and Jean-Louis Pictet, astronomer. 

[This artwork is not affiliated in any way to the Audemars Piguet company and brand, it is part of a large art collection in homage to the Swiss watchmaking heritage including multiple Swiss timepieces and watch companies]