Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 6005ST Jumbo

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 6005ST JUMBO
Steel | Petite tapisserie black dial

Origin

The Audemars Piguet Manufacture was founded in 1875 in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux, by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward August Piguet. Two young entrepreneurs grown up in the cradle of fine watchmaking in the Swiss Jura, born into a generation of watchmakers and passioned about rare complications and their horological roots.

From the early days on, Audemars Piguet produced some fine mechanical timepieces such as minute-repeaters, perpetual calendars and ultra-thin self-winding movements, receiving recognition from far beyond the valley. By the 1970’s the Swiss manufacturer was already well established amongst connoisseurs alike, but it was during the following years of the quartz crisis that the watch brand made itself immortal.

While most traditional watchmakers were struggling to stay relevant, Audemars Piguet shook the market with a bold move: the introduction of the Royal Oak in 1972 at Baselworld – the first luxury sports watch in steel, created by the legendary designer Gérald Genta.

It has been estimated that a mere thousand Swiss watch companies did not survive the quartz crisis – with two thirds of the workforce being laid off – yet Audemars Piguet documentation shows that the yearly production increased from 9,500 to 11,000 pieces during those years (1974-1984). This revolutionary success can be greatly attributed to the Royal Oak line, an instant icon made to last.

The Watch

This rectangular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 6005 in steel – nicknamed the Jumbo because of its masculine measurements of 32mm x 41 mm – is an exceptionally rare quartz watch, produced in 1980, making this vintage symbol 40 years old. The bold case with its oversized proportions features a black dial in Petite Tapisserie pattern, a signature choice for the Royal Oak collection with grey gold baton hands, grey gold applique indices and the grey gold AP logo at 12.

Audemars Piguet is written on the dial in an old font, underling the vintage feel of this Royal Oak. An integrated component bracelet with deployant clasp and ‘AP’ signed clasp cover provides secure comfortability and delicate hand-finishing, that was earlier unseen on durable sport watches.

Its ultra-thin profile in combination with the flat sapphire crystal and rounded edges of the case, extending to the profile of the bracelet, give the piece an elegant look despite its distinct dimensions. This is enhanced by the varied textures of the watch – polished notches and an overall brushed finish – with its angular, bevelled and polished edges throughout.

Today, steel Royal Oak timepieces from this period are tremendously rare and highly sought-after.

The Movement

The original Audemars Piguet quartz movement – calibre 2511 – is based on a regulator, the time-measuring element, consisting of a quartz crystal through which an electric current is passed. Time is divided into equal intervals by this resonator, vibrating at an exceptional high frequency. Turning the crown sets the minute hand into motion, the pressing of the crown with a pusher advances the hours on the other hand (unique to the 6005st, the 6009st and 56049st work differently).

Condition

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 6005st or AP Jumbo is like gold dust. Both the watch and its integrated bracelet, with full links and without stretch, are in mint condition. It with a service box and an extract from the archives.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

Reference	6005st
Movement	Quartz
Caliber	Calibre 2511
Dial	Black
Size (Case)	32mm x 41mm
Material (Case)	Steel
Bracelet	Steel
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Very good
Year	1980
Papers	Extract from archive
Box	AP Service Box
Warranty	2 years