Audemars Piguet has just stated that the Royal Oak ref. 15202ST will be replaced with another reference next year, which just so happens to be the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. The 15202, also known as the “Jumbo”, is the clearest contemporary replica Audemars PiguetRoyal Oak steel watch, conceived by master watch designer Gérald Genta with the 1972 model number 5402. 1972 model number 5402. The current 15202 has been a staple of the AP collection since it was launched in 2012 as part of the AP’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak.
Back in January, the watch world learned, via an out-of-stock list sent to retailers, that Patek Philippe’s Ref. 5711 would soon be retired. This news marked a rare occasion when insider watch gossip went mainstream, and Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern even clarified the thinking behind the decision in a high-profile interview with the New York Times.
In a recent video conversation with Michael Friedman, head of the company’s complications, at the Associated Press Social Club, CEO Francois Bennahmias let slip the big news related to the mantle of Genda, the steel inheritor of his own company.
Another major replica watch company recently said they’re going to stop making the 5711, and that’s Patek Philippe. 5711 is Patek. So we can say there will be a new reference 15202 next year. So we won’t be producing the 15202ST anymore, but it will be replaced by something else, for reasons we won’t go into today.”
There you have it, straight from the mouth of the AP boss. Next year, the steel 15202 will be replaced by another watch. Let the speculation begin.