Overview
In the world of integrated bracelet watches, there is perhaps no design more iconic than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Infamously sketched by Gerald Genta the night before the 1970 Basel Fair at the request of Georges Golay, the Royal Oak’s distinct octagonal shape immediately won over distributors. The bold design would lay the foundation for the luxury sports watch craze of the 1970s, with later entries by other notable brands including the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Vacheron Constantin 222.
While the original diameter of the Royal Oak was 39mm, it didn’t take long for Audemars Piguet to expand the model lineup with different sizes and movements. First came the 29mm “Royal Oak II” in 1976, and then the 35mm “Royal Oak III” in 1977. Quartz models soon followed, thanks to market demand brought on by the Quartz Crisis. Despite the brand’s initial reluctance to use electrical movements, these watches were crafted and finished to the same level of quality as their mechanical counterparts, and had the added benefit of allowing for slimmer case heights.
The quartz Royal Oaks, particularly in the 33mm size, became a canvas for precious metals and limited editions throughout the 1990s. The 56975ST here is one such instance, created specifically for Audemars Piguet’s 120th anniversary in 1995. The reference bears an exclusive blue dial and commemorative caseback, and is thought to have been produced in an ultra-limited run of 120 pieces. “Rare” is a term that can be loosely thrown around, but in this case the term is justified as examples, especially in this condition, seldom come to market.
Specifications
Brand:
Audemars Piguet
Model:
Royal Oak 120th Anniversary LE
Reference:
56975ST
Year:
1995
Case Number:
D64299
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
33 mm
Lug Width:
23.5 mm
Thickness:
5.8 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
41.8 mm
Dial:
Blue
Lume:
Tritium
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Quartz
Caliber:
AP 2712
Bracelet/Strap:
Audemars Piguet stainless steel bracelet
Max Wrist Size:
6.875 in (19 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows minimal wear with only a couple faint marks and tiny nicks present. The overall impression is very clean. The case is exceptionally sharp with superb defintion at the beveled edges. The caseback shows very light wear but remains in fantastic condition overall. The model and serial number engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The blue petite tapisserie dial and polished hands are in excellent condition with a few micro signs of oxidation present, which is common for Royal Oak dials from this era. The tritium across the dial and hands is free of cracking and is a consistent shade that glows briefly when exposed to UV light. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The Audemars Piguet stainless steel bracelet is in fantastic condition with virtually no stretch and hardly any signs of wear present. All of the links are matching, but two near the clasp use the single-sided screw design, while the rest use the double-sided screw design. This does not affect wear or sizing at all. The sliding clasp button works, but requires an extra push to fully lock into place. The engraved AP logo remains crisp and detailed.
Performance
Timing: The watch has been manually observed over a 24-hour period and is keeping accurate time.
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and date changing are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
