Royal Oak : from iconoclast to icon

From Iconoclast to Icon, 'Royal Oak' traces the remarkable journey of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, which caused a sensation upon its 1972 release. Encased in hand-finished stainless steel, housing the era's thinnest self-winding mechanical movement, it swiftly captured global attention. It elevated steel to the status of gold for the first time, inspired by the transformative cultural and industrial shifts of the 1960s and early 1970s. This visionary timepiece anticipated a more dynamic yet casual lifestyle, marking the dawn of a new era in luxury watchmaking, fusing athleticism with refinement.

Initially an anomaly, the Royal Oak quickly resonated with the adventurous youth, appreciating its bold fusion of technological innovation and traditional craftsmanship. It has since become a platform for innovation, intersecting with art, music, architecture, and sports. Today, transcending its horological origins, the Royal Oak stands as a symbol of permanence in a disposable world, embodying the creative spirit of those who have shaped its narrative.

The book delves into the Royal Oak’s cultural significance, unveiling new archival materials from Audemars Piguet’s Heritage department and featuring exclusive insights from longstanding brand associates. Richly illustrated, the narrative spans six decades of groundbreaking art, architecture, fashion, music, and cultural history, mirroring the evolution of this pioneering timepiece cherished by forward-thinking tastemakers and influential figures worldwide.

Bill Prince further explores the Royal Oak’s cultural impact by spotlighting the 'Generation Royal Oak'—a cohort of watch enthusiasts who came of age alongside the timepiece. Their diverse accomplishments reflect the global cultural movement that inspired its creation, including notable individuals such as Kevin Hart, Bjarke Ingels, Elle Macpherson, Mark Ronson, Serena Williams, and Ning Zetao, among others.