“Iconic” is one of those words used so often that it has lost much of its meaning. But in the annals of horological history, there are a select handful of timepieces that have indisputably earned the title. 

When Audemars Piguet unveiled the Royal Oak in 1972, its bold aesthetic turned the preconceived notions of luxury watchmaking on its head. Before, fine watches were smaller, often round designs, predictably made from precious materials such as gold. Here was a watch made of more casual stainless steel, with a chunky octagonal bezel and integrated metal bracelet. Yet despite its sporty leanings, it was somehow just as sophisticated and smart, with the accomplished timekeeping to match. 

The brainchild of legendary watch designer Gérald Genta, it played a key part in ushering in the era of “sports chic” – versatile and hardwearing timepieces that look as good in the boardroom as on the beach. And it’s a style that remains as popular as ever, a testament to how far ahead of its time the Royal Oak was on its release. 

As it reaches its 50th birthday, the Royal Oak is being celebrated in style with a special exhibition at London’s Harrods from 5 to 30 April. Taking over the luxury department store’s exhibition window space, it will trace its legacy back to its origins and delve into how the watch has continually evolved over the decades. 

As well as the original 5402 model from 1972, there will be the chance to see some of its most contemporary interpretations in the metal, including the new Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin and Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Openworked. Meanwhile, a number of interactive elements will give further insight into the inner workings of this masterpiece, among them the watchmaker’s bench, where guests can discover the techniques that go into the creation of the Royal Oak’s famous bezel.

Royal Oak: From Iconoclast to Icon is on view at Harrods from 5 to 30 April 2022; audemarspiguet.com