Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – The Watch That Changed Luxury Forever

In 1972, Audemars Piguet took the biggest risk in Swiss watchmaking history — releasing a steel sports watch that cost more than gold. Critics called it insane. Collectors now call it the most influential watch ever made.

This is the full story of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — the timepiece that changed luxury forever.

In this Luxe Pulse deep dive, we uncover how Gérald Genta’s overnight design saved Audemars Piguet from the Quartz Crisis, launched the modern luxury sports watch, and inspired legends like the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Vacheron Constantin 222.

⌚ What you’ll learn:
• The complete Royal Oak history — from crisis to cultural icon.
• How Gérald Genta designed the Royal Oak in just 24 hours.
• Why a steel watch priced higher than gold redefined luxury in 1972.
• The evolution from the Royal Oak Jumbo 5402ST to the Offshore and modern anniversary models.
• Celebrity moments and auction results — including million-dollar Royal Oak sales.
• How the Royal Oak continues to shape luxury watch design in 2025.

From design innovation to cultural domination, the Royal Oak didn’t just survive the Quartz Crisis — it reinvented what luxury means.

💬 What’s your take — is the Royal Oak still the king of modern luxury, or has another watch taken its crown?

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