The Royal Oak is a watch that made history, inspiring countless other collections and models, and representing the finest in luxury accessories.
Arguably the most famous timepiece from the Audemars Piguet collection, the Royal Oak was designed by Gerald Genta for a 1972 release. It was designed under the brief of being the world’s first luxury sports watch crafted from stainless steel, with Audemars Piguet choosing Genta as their designer for his innovative and creative style.
In fact, Genta then went on to design and produce a watch for Patek Philippe, not too dissimilar from the Royal Oak – solidifying his own place in horological history.
But history aside, it was the Royal Oak that ultimately led a change in attitude to sports watches and to the use of stainless steel as a luxury material.
And ever since its release, the Royal Oak has continued to draw in buyers with its diverse range of finishes and unique designs. New materials have been used to develop later models, moving away from the steel of the first Royal Oak, though always remaining true to the sleek sports-watch aesthetic. The working mechanisms have also changed and been upgraded over the years since its first release in 1972 – with this article looking in particular detail at automatic movement and how it compares to the quartz movement.
Watches are an undoubtedly stylish accessory, with many of the leading brands, like Audemars Piguet, leaning heavily into the aesthetic prowess of their watches as a visual symbol of prestige and status.
But while the outer materials and details are what catch the eye, it’s what happens underneath the watch face that really impacts the working function of the watch.
Automatic and quartz are two different types of watch, from a mechanical perspective.
In short, an automatic watch uses mechanical energy and the natural movement of the watch when it is being worn, to keep the watch working.
A quartz watch uses a small battery to maintain accuracy on the watch.
Of course, you may be thinking right now that the inner workings of your ideal watch aren’t as important as the way it looks on your wrist. And in some buyers’ eyes, you might be right.
But the relationship between quartz watches and automatic watches actually runs far deeper and is rooted in the early design and production of the Royal Oak, especially given its birth around the time of the quartz crisis.
The Royal Oak was brought to life at a time when the watch industry was facing a crisis. Quartz was on the rise and was quite literally pushing the traditional watchmaking industry off the shelf, insofar as it allowed watches to be made more cheaply and with more convenient accuracy and ease of wear.
Mechanical watches were, prior to the release of the Royal Oak, becoming obsolete. In short, what is now considered a vintage and traditional approach to watchmaking was, at the time, outdated and excessively expensive. A partnership between Audemars Piguet and SSIH Group, a global partner, led to the brief for a luxury sports watch.
And so the desire for watches that could be worn every day, that met the changing demand of consumers, and that adapted to the changing industry, was born.
There are several ways that automatic and quartz watches differ, not just from a pricing angle, but also in their accuracy and maintenance.
When looking at the Royal Oak watch from Audemars Piguet specifically, the choice between an automatic or a quartz model is largely down to personal preference. The automatic version represents a more traditional timepiece and timekeeping experience, while the quartz is almost always more affordable.
Automatic watches tend to be paired with a transparent caseback, which allows the movement and its intricacy to remain on display – i.e., an integral part of the watch’s overall design. They require careful servicing, but can last for generations under the right care, underpinning the ideology of an Audemars Piguet watch being something that each wearer simply cares for before passing it on.
The quartz Royal Oak, while retaining the same quality and design flair, works via a battery. This style of watch is more affordable and easier to manage, though it does require battery replacement every few years – something to consider when buying.
With both quartz and automatic watches available, the Royal Oak collection represents the perfect bridge of function, style, and tradition. Audemars Piguet remains a staple brand in the world of luxury timepieces, retaining its connection with the old and the new.
Those who choose a Royal Oak specifically tend to be inspired by the story and by the watch’s prestigious role in horological innovation. This is a watch that marked a change in the way luxury watches were made. It was the first of its kind to reach the market, creating and carving out a new space for luxury sports watches – using different materials, a chunkier and more hard-wearing design, and of course adaptations in both the finish and the inner workings of each watch.
From an authentic vintage timepiece to one of the more modern Royal Oak designs that reflect and celebrate the anniversary of the watch’s creation, the best way to browse and find your perfect luxury watch is by visiting a local boutique reseller.
Not only can they talk you through the different movements, mechanics, and designs, but they can help you find the right match for your lifestyle and aesthetic. A watch is so much more than an everyday timekeeping tool – it’s an accessory, a sign of status, and a way to pull every outfit together with seamless style.
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