François-Henry Bennahmias, CEO of Audemars Piguet, opens up about the brand’s strategy, his passions, golf and his definition of luxury.
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Royal Oak: new releases and hands-on reviews from Audemars Piguet
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most influential watches in modern history. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, it invented the concept of the luxury steel sports watch, with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. Passion Horlogere has followed Royal Oak news since 2009: new releases, reviews and analysis. Find our articles on the collection below.
Few watches have shaped contemporary watchmaking as much as the Royal Oak. Here is a look back at this icon and at what we cover of its news.
A revolution in 1972. When Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak, designed by Gérald Genta, the bet was a bold one: offer a steel watch at the price of a gold watch. Its octagonal bezel fixed by eight exposed screws, its Tapisserie pattern dial and its integrated bracelet created a completely new aesthetic language. The name refers to ships of the British Royal Navy.
The birth of a genre. The Royal Oak founded the luxury sport-chic watch category, which would go on to inspire many later models. In 1993, the Royal Oak Offshore offered a larger, sportier interpretation, further expanding the collection.
A lasting object of desire. Offered in multiple sizes, materials and complications, the Royal Oak retains undiminished desirability and a strong presence on the secondary market, supported by tightly controlled production.
What you will find on this page. Passion Horlogère has followed Royal Oak news since 2009: new releases, hands-on reviews, editions and analysis. The articles gathered below bring together our coverage of the collection, updated as new releases appear.