Audemars Piguet

The Royal Oak (1972) was the first luxury steel sports watch — priced higher than gold dress watches of the time, which was radical. Its octagonal bezel with exposed hexagonal screws, integrated bracelet, and Grande Tapisserie dial are instantly recognizable design innovations that no competitor has successfully copied. Gerald Genta designed it in one night. The Royal Oak didn't just succeed — it created an entirely new category (luxury integrated sports watch) that remains the most desirable segment in watchmaking today.

The Royal Oak 15500 starts at ~$24,000–26,000 retail, with secondary market prices typically $35,000–50,000 — the market rewards buyers, not sellers, at AP retail. The watch is exceptional: in-house Cal. 4302, 60-hour power reserve, extraordinary case finishing with alternating polished and satin surfaces. Whether it's "worth" the price depends on your definition — as a financial asset, it's strong. As a mechanical object of desire, it's peerless. As an everyday watch, it's surprisingly wearable at 41mm and 10.4mm thick.

Both are icons of the luxury sports watch genre, both designed by Gerald Genta, and both trade at extraordinary secondary market premiums. The Royal Oak (41mm, 10.4mm thick, integrated steel bracelet) is more contemporary and sport-forward. The Nautilus 5711 (40mm, 8.3mm, incredibly slim) is more elegant and refined. AP production continues; the 5711 is discontinued. If you can find either at rational prices, both are exceptional. The choice ultimately comes down to which design speaks to you — compare them on our platform.