Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15500ST | 41mm | Selfwinding | Black Dial

The Birth of the Luxury Sports Watch

In 1972, Audemars Piguet shattered the codes of haute horlogerie with a radical vision from Gérald Genta—an angular, octagonal steel watch priced like gold. The Royal Oak didn’t just challenge convention; it invented a new category and redefined what modern luxury looks like. Five decades on, the audacity still resonates powerfully.

The Architecture of a Revolution

• Reference Number: 15500ST.OO.1220ST.03
• The Octagonal Bezel with 8 Hexagonal Screws: A bold, industrial frame whose aligned screws and razor-sharp facets signal pure design intent.
• The Integrated Tapering Bracelet: A seamless steel sculpture that flows from case to clasp, uniting comfort, rigidity, and unmistakable silhouette.
• The ‘Tapisserie’ Dial: Black “Grande Tapisserie” pattern with luminous markers and a clean date at 3—texture, depth, and legibility in perfect balance.
• Case Material and Diameter: Stainless steel, 41 mm—contemporary proportions with signature AP presence.
• Calibre: In-house automatic Calibre 4302, 4 Hz precision and approximately 70-hour power reserve—modern mechanics for a modern icon.

The Curator’s Insight:
Launching a radical, oversized steel watch at the height of the quartz crisis was more than bravery—it was vision. The Royal Oak transformed risk into legacy, securing the Maison’s future and setting a benchmark the world still chases.

More Than a Watch, A Statement

The Royal Oak remains the definitive symbol of rule-breaking elegance—powerfully modern, instantly recognizable, eternally relevant. It’s the watch for those who don’t follow the conversation; they start it. Wear it to declare confidence in ideas that are ahead of their time.

This Watch is Ideal For…

• The design connoisseur who collects icons of modernism.
• The individual who identifies with a story of bold, disruptive innovation.
• The purist seeking the original luxury sports watch.