Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz rectangular watch Ref. 6005 circa 1980 32 x 41 mm

The pitch

When we talk about the Royal Oak, we all have in mind this octagonal case designed by Gerald Genta and presented in 1972. It was a revolution in its time during the quartz crisis. An icon for its innovative design and its history, which we don't need to tell you!

Today, we would like to introduce you to its little sister in quartz version. A model with a design related to the Royal Oak, with a rectangular and futuristic case with the same integrated bracelet, with a four-pocket bezel instead of the hexagonal bezel with eight screws. This difference is due to the fact that Audemars Piguet's management has long been against the integration of a quartz model in this collection, which it believed represented the quintessence of the House's traditional know-how. The solution was to strike a balance. The so-called "classic" collections were round or oval, many of whose variants were equipped with the ultra-flat Caliber 2003, while the shaped watches would be in quartz version.
We can then ask ourselves if this watch is a Royal Oak? Indeed, the octagonal bezel with its eight hexagonal screws is missing. If we look in different printed sources, we can easily find the answer. In the 1978-1979 and subsequent catalogs, the 6005 model is never named Royal Oak but simply "Quartz". These watches were then called the "AP Quartz Line" which continued until at least 1985. So they are not Royal Oak, but "close relatives", according to the designer of this model, Jacqueline Dimier.

So what do you think, Royal Oak or AP quartz?

Let's get to know each other

This piece is in good condition for its age! The case of 32 x 41 mm has angles and edges still well defined, its bezel in yellow gold 750 thousandths is superb, its sapphire glass does not present any defect and its bracelet is slightly relaxed, while having scratches of uses. Small detail, you will notice on this version, the crown in yellow gold too, which is not present on the whole of this reference.

Its Petite Tapisserie dial is "mouse grey", and has slightly patinated with time, giving it a hypnotic aspect! The mention "Audemars Piguet" on this dial is stamped with an old typography, as well as the mention "Quartz", which is not present on the whole 6005 models. It is overhung by yellow gold hands and indexes, giving a real cachet to this watch. A watch with a typical seventies look. We love it!

On the engine side, we find the Audemars Piguet 2511 calibre. It is a very precise quartz calibre, developed and based on an Omega calibre for the Manufacture AP. It is a high frequency movement, 32 768 oscillations per second to be exact! It was then finished and assembled by hand by the watchmakers. The handling and the setting of the time is very simple. The first notch of the crown allows to set the hour hand, while a pusher is located in the crown to set the minutes.

As you can see, this Royal Oak Quartz is entirely original!

The package

This Audemars Piguet Quartz in great condition is delivered without box and without papers. However, it will come with a Lepage case. Its dial with the mention "Quartz" indicates a 1979 production. This watch has been tested and authenticated by our watchmaker and benefits from the Lepage Vintage 1 year warranty. Benefit from a free engraving (case back) on request.