Audemars Piguet – Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Editions

Audemars Piguet stands among the most prestigious Swiss watchmakers, founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in the legendary Vallée de Joux, the cradle of fine watchmaking. From the outset, the brand has embodied a spirit of innovation and independence, excelling in the creation of complicated timepieces that seamlessly fuse technical mastery with aesthetic refinement.

In 1972, Audemars Piguet revolutionized the watchmaking world with the creation of the Royal Oak, designed by the legendary Gérald Genta. With its unmistakable octagonal stainless steel case and exposed screws, the Royal Oak broke conventions, redefining the codes of luxury and introducing a bold, contemporary vision that continues to inspire collectors and enthusiasts to this day.

A Special Edition for a Historic Anniversary

In 2022, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet released a series of commemorative editions that pay homage to one of the most iconic timepieces in history. Among them are the references 15510ST.OO.1320ST.05 and 15510ST.OO.1320ST.04, featuring elegant “Grande Tapisserie” dials and refined stainless steel finishes.

The dials of the 50th Anniversary models available on Collecto captivate the eye with their exclusive hues. The green fumé dial is achieved through advanced galvanization and lacquering processes, offering extraordinary luminosity and a unique depth never before seen in standard versions. This tone, already featured in other Royal Oak references, takes on a particularly vivid character in this edition, enhancing its ability to reflect light in a vibrant and dynamic way.

Equally striking is the grey fumé dial—a sophisticated and elegant hue, more understated yet equally magnetic thanks to its interplay of light and reflections. A perfect example of the meticulous attention to detail that has made Audemars Piguet an undisputed benchmark in luxury watchmaking.

The “50” Rotor

A defining feature of this edition is the rotor engraved with the number “50,” visible through the sapphire caseback. This exclusive detail, found only on the commemorative models, celebrates fifty years of the Royal Oak and transforms each piece into a tangible tribute to the history of this legendary timepiece.

Production of these models was strictly limited to 2022, further enhancing their rarity and collectible appeal.

Rarity and Market Value

Currently, availability of the Royal Oak 50th Anniversary references with the commemorative rotor is extremely limited. In Italy, just one example is listed on Chrono24, while across Europe there are only six pieces available. This scarcity, combined with the timeless prestige of the Royal Oak, elevates these watches to true collector’s trophies.

The market value of these special editions has remained strong since their launch: the average price for a Royal Oak 50th Anniversary with green or grey fumé dial ranges between €90,000 and €120,000, depending on condition and completeness. At select international auctions, models in mint condition and full set have exceeded €130,000, confirming the constant demand for these references.

Industry analysts predict that their value will continue to grow, driven by a combination of rarity, brand equity, and the iconic history of this model. A timepiece destined to solidify its place as a highly sought-after collectible.

Why Collect the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 50th Anniversary

The Royal Oak 50th Anniversary editions offer a unique opportunity to own a genuine piece of watchmaking history. These timepieces bridge tradition and innovation: they celebrate half a century of iconic design while bearing witness to Audemars Piguet’s unwavering commitment to technical and stylistic excellence.

Owning one of these models means adding to your collection a timepiece that is not just a mechanical masterpiece but also an irreplaceable chapter in the modern history of watchmaking. The engraved “50” rotor, the fumé dials, and the limited production make each example a rare and highly desirable piece. For collectors, it’s more than just a watch: it’s a declaration of love for a design that forever changed the very concept of luxury watchmaking.