Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175TT Championship Limited Edition

Maker: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 56175TT
Year: early 1990's
Dial: Grey, “Petite Tapisserie”
Case Material: Tantalum and Steel
Case Serial: D5493
Case Dimensions: 33mm, 5.8mm thick
Caliber: quartz caliber 2612
Service history:  battery replaced at Audemars Piguet August 2023
Bracelet: Integrated Tantalum and Stainless Steel Bracelet produced by Gey Freres for Audemars Piguet. Bracelet can fit up to a 17cm / 6.7 inch wrist size.
Box/Papers: Audemars Piguet service papers from August 2023

The Royal Oak, with its octagonal case, exposed screws, and integrated bracelet is one of the most iconic sports watches ever produced. First released in the 1970s, the original Ref. 5402 was designed by Gerald Genta. When Audemars Piguet released the first Royal Oak in stainless steel it was priced equivalent to that of a solid gold watch. This was considered "crazy", to put it mildly, by the public and during its first years in existence the watch struggled to sell. It was only after some time that the public saw this as something genuinely original and beautiful. 

The Ref. 56175TT we have on offer is not your ordinary Royal Oak. Produced as a limited edition to commemorate Sir Nick Faldo's consecutive victories at the 1990 Masters and British Open, this reference stands as a unique RO created with an athlete in mind before sports brand ambassador's or collaborations existed in the watch industry. Combining stainless steel and tantalum in its construction, a first for the Royal Oak, this exclusive time piece was released as a limited edition with only 2000 produced.

The reference 56175TT showcases a 33mm case made from a blend of steel and tantalum, complete with an integrated bracelet and a concealed deployant clasp.

Overall, this 56175TT is in excellent condition. Featuring a beautifully balanced 33mm case, this time piece sits fantastically on the wrist and wears much larger than its size thanks to its tantalum and steel construction and wide lug width. There are hairlines throughout the case and bracelet, consistent for a watch of this age, but the case and bracelet remains thick and sharp. The original grey micro tappisserie dial, minute / hour hands, and date window are all in fantastic condition. Overall, the dial is flawless with no blemishes. The dial, case, crown, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Audemars Piguet. The hallmarks on the bracelet are well defined and legible, as are the engravings on the case and inside of the caseback. The bracelet is in great condition with some light scratches but with no stretch between the links. The Audemars Piguet logo and the Gey Freres hallmark on the clasp is sharp too. The bracelet can fit up to a 17cm / 6.7 inch wrist size. The movement was last checked by Audemars Piguet in August 2023 with the battery being replaced.

Ships from Japan.