Author Andrea Poretti, Andrea Mattioli, Corrado Mattarelli, Michele F. Ciocco
ROYAL OAK 39 THE BOOK
This book is dedicated to collecting and showing almost hundred of the best Audemars Piguet Royal Oak from 1972 to 2021 from the perspective of collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
The Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet is one of the watch models most coveted and sought-after by collectors all over the world.
Characterised originally by a steel case, an octagonal bezel, the “Tapisserie” dial, and a steel face, it subverted aesthetic codes when it appeared in 1972. Even though its success wasn’t immediate, it became an icon over the course of several seasons.
The Royal Oak came about when the popularity of quartz watches seemed to be heralding the end of the mechanical watch.
Audemars Piguet decided to gamble on something completely new, a sporty, elegant watch that would mark a turning point in the market and reconfirm Swiss supremacy in watchmaking.
Royal Oak 39 The Book explores the timeless timepiece, illustrating every facet of over a hundred rare and legendary specimens belonging to prestigious collections, photographed in detail exclusively for this exquisite monograph of over 450 pages. It is a must-have for watch enthusiasts and, in particular, lovers of this model, characterized by its 39 millimeters case. This monumental tribute features contributions and interviews with some of the most renown industry leaders, scholars, collectors and watch enthusiasts including John Goldberger, Francois Henry Bennahmias, Michael Friedman, Aurel Bacs to only name a few.
The project was led by four Royal Oak aficionados: Andrea Poretti, Andrea Mattioli, Corrado Mattarelli and Michele Ciocco with Paolo Gobbi as editorial manager.