Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone

Gerald Genta was the first — and arguably, the most important — "celebrity" watch designer. Having conceived many important silhouettes, his most memorable work — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — was sketched in one day and changed the shape of the watch industry. The Royal Oak essentially created an entirely new category of 'luxury sport' timepieces, and with it came a new design language that inspired countless other maisons. What's particularly delightful about the design of the Royal Oak is that it works brilliantly in a number of sizes and case materials, from steel to carbon fiber to solid gold. This example, a Reference 56175, features a 35mm two-tone case comprised of 18K rose gold and tantalum. Featuring a compact silhouette and a svelte profile, this piece harbors all the essential RO design elements: an octagonal bezel with exposed screws; a signed, octagonal crown; and a fantastic integrated bracelet culminating in a signed, hidden deployant clasp. The dial is forged out of tantalum and features a vertically brushed finish complemented by applied gold indices, a matching gold handset, the ‘AP’ signature representing the 12 o’clock marker. and a framed date window at 3 o’clock. Powered by an ultra-thin quartz movement, this piece presents an honest, untouched case that maintains every bit of character imbued by its previous owners. Its use of tantalum offers a dark grey sheen that’s much different than your traditional steel R.O. — not to mention the added durability and scratch resistance that comes with the rare-earth material. Looking to scratch that 1980s itch? Look no further than this unique iteration of the Royal Oak!