Royal Oak 39: The Book

At a time when the popularity of quartz watches seemed to herald the end of the mechanical watch, Audemars Piguet decided to take the plunge by creating a sporty and elegant watch.

Created in 1972, the Royal Oak has become one of the most coveted and sought-after watch models by collectors around the world. Characterised by a steel case, octagonal bezel, 39mm "tapestry" dial and integrated bracelet, it subverted aesthetic codes when it first appeared. Although its success was not immediate, it became an icon over the seasons.

This monograph by Paolo Gobbi, Italy's foremost watchmaking expert, and Andrea Mattioli, an antique dealer and connoisseur of this model, examines this timeless model. Every facet of more than one hundred rare Royal Oak specimens is photographed in detail, confirming Switzerland's supremacy in watchmaking.