The reference 6001 is a watch you’re unlikely to have encountered before. It’s not a Royal Oak, designed by Jean-Fred Meylan (not Gérald Genta), and visually, it shares little in common with any other Audemars Piguet model, aside from its small tapisserie dial.

Fewer than 350 pieces are believed to have been produced between 1974 and 1978, after which it was replaced by the reference 6005, which bears a much closer resemblance to the Royal Oak (though it’s not called that!).

The 6001 was a bold experiment, introduced during the height of the "quartz revolution." In the end, Audemars Piguet embraced quartz technology, using a modified Beta 21 movement from Omega, known as the 'megaquartz' for its remarkable 2,359,296 vibrations per second. This movement would lose or gain no more than one second per month. That small pusher near the crown? It’s used to fine-tune the time by correcting that single second.

The "rounded yet octagonal" case has soft, flowing edges, far removed from the angular lines of the original Royal Oak. It has a very 1970s, almost Star Wars-esque vibe mixed with Royal Oak influences—a design that feels both futuristic and retro at the same time! The 35 x 40 mm steel case remains in excellent condition, and the integrated AP bracelet (which fits wrists up to 18 cm) is also in great shape.

The signature petite tapisserie dial is in blue, featuring an applied AP logo on the lower half (just as the original Royal Oak 5402 would have had during its era!) with a date at 6 o’clock. The hands are typical of AP’s design, with the first series of Royal Oak tritium markers.

The quartz-driven movement (caliber 2510) has been fully checked by our watchmaker and a fresh battery is fitted.

This is a rare watch from one of the “Holy Trinity” of watch brands. Come on, guys—this is a conversation piece and super cool! Get in touch!

Specifications:

- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref 6001ST
- 35x40 mm steel case with correcting pusher at crown side
- Blue petite tapisserie dial
- Steel Audemars Piguet integrated bracelet
- Quartz movement cal 2510
- Movement no 153xxx dating to the mid-1970s
- Fully checked by our watchmaker & fresh battery installed
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 6001ST

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 6001ST

Before/after