Swiss rare stainless steel and 18K gold lever watch Circa 1979

Stainless steel and gold Royal Oak 
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A very rare and unusual Swiss stainless steel and 18 carat gold octagonal pocket watch, the Royal Oak, made by Audemars Piguet in Geneva, circa 1979. The rhodium plated movement with 20 jewels, a straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock absorber and self compensating flat balance spring. Grey textured dial with applied gold baton hour indexes and original gold dauphine hands. The polished and brushed case with a bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws and Royal Oak engraved on the back. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Audemars Piguet Swiss
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When discussing luxury watches, Audemars Piguet is a name that tops the list.

In 1972, the company revolutionized the watchmaking world by launching the Royal Oak. The design of this iconic timepiece was entrusted to the renowned watch designer Gérald Genta, who needed only a single night to create the initial sketch. Legend has it that Genta drew inspiration from watching a diver at work on Lake Geneva, wearing a traditional diving helmet.

What made the Royal Oak so remarkable was that it was the first luxury sports watch made entirely of stainless steel, a bold move at a time when luxury watches were predominantly crafted from precious metals.

The Royal Oak stands out thanks to its unique design. Its octagonal bezel, secured by eight visible screws, gives the watch a look that is both robust and refined, and the tapisserie pattern on the dial adds an extra dimension to the timepiece.

Today, the Royal Oak remains a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship. The watch continues to evolve through the use of new materials and technologies, all while preserving its iconic design and quality.