Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175BA Review | Precision Watches
November 12, 2025A Closer Look at the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 35mm — An Icon of Luxury Sports Watch Design
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175BA is not a new model, but it’s currently trending as AP celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025. As a small, versatile luxury watch, it has sparked renewed market interest. Plus, its octagonal bezel, tapestry dial, and technical movements make it a classic.
We recently added a Royal Oak 35mm to the Precision Watch collection, giving me a chance to experience it firsthand. Here’s what I noticed when I got up close and personal with this luxury sports watch.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 35mm Review: First Impressions
First, I loved the slim profile—the face fits nicely on my wrist without any bulk or clunkiness. The streamlined style produces a clean, modern look. Though substantial, it distributes well on the wrist, making it lightweight and comfortable. It fits nicely under a dress shirt and doesn’t interrupt style lines.
Even though the watch is slim, it has a sporty feel. For one, it integrates directly with the wristband, giving the overall appearance a thicker look. The octagonal bezel and signature screws provide an industrial appeal. I also like how the brushed stainless steel offers a more rugged aesthetic.
For a closer look at the Royal Oak 56175BA’s craftsmanship and wrist presence, explore our latest feature video on Instagram.
Dial Design of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 56175BA
Now, moving over to the dial, the Tapisserie texture is nothing short of luxurious. The raised baton markers make the design simple and minimalist. However, with a gold-on-gold color scheme, readability can be an issue, especially considering the detailed backing.
Other details include the signature AP at 12 o’clock and the date window at 3 o’clock, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
Bracelet and Fit: The Signature Royal Oak Look
Let’s talk about the band. The watch features an integrated stainless-steel bracelet, a hallmark of the Royal Oak, although other models feature rubber and leather bracelets. The brushed and polished links emphasize its luxury-meets-sporty characteristics.
The watch has a deployment clasp, which I like because it’s secure, easy to use, and blends seamlessly with the metal band. However, if you have a smaller wrist, the watch could be bulky. If you were to take it home, you might have to switch out the band or get a professional adjustment.
Technical Specifications and Movement
Now, to get into the tech specs, the watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that does its job even if you don’t realize it. It means your watch will have minimal distortion, making it easy to read. It’s also unlikely to chip or scratch.
Another bonus is the automatic self-winding movement, which means it winds itself and doesn’t need a battery —perfect if you like low-maintenance luxury. It was also timed to precision on the Witschi watch expert timing machine so that it would run powerfully and accurately.
The History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Now, if you’re like me, you love a watch with a great backstory, and the Royal Oak does not disappoint.
It was the 1970s, and the world of luxury watches was growing in leaps and bounds. Audemars Piguet, known for its handcrafted, low-volume production, faced mounting pressure during the Quartz Crisis. Its high level of craftsmanship made it challenging to compete with mass-produced Japanese watches.
However, the company was forced to increase its capabilities on the eve of the annual Swiss Watch Show (now known as Baselworld). AP’s managing director, George Golay, received a request to produce a luxury steel sports watch with a unique design. He called upon Gerald Genta, a young Swiss industrial designer who was making waves in the watch industry, for assistance.
Genta set to work producing the octagonal bezel watch, designed to resemble a deep-sea diver’s helmet and setting an aquatic theme, further carried out in the name Royal Oak, a series of eight British Royal Navy vessels. The integrated bracelet and tapisserie motif made it more dynamic-looking than other sports watches.
The watch was slow to catch on, but soon became a favorite among luxury sports watch enthusiasts. It was soon released in various designs and models. However, the 35mm design is perhaps most elegant of the bunch.
Experience the Audemars Piguet 56175BA
The AP 56175BA stands as a timeless example of refined design and craftsmanship. While this particular model has sold, you can explore our carefully curated selection of Audemars Piguet timepieces online or in-store at our Lower Gwynedd showroom.
As an authorized luxury watch retailer serving the Philadelphia and Montgomery County area, Precision Watches offers a wide range of new and pre-owned watches from top Swiss brands — each backed by authenticity, expertise, and personalized service.
With our in-house watchmakers, we also offer expert repair services to ensure optimal care throughout your watch’s lifespan. With over 75 years of experience, we are a trusted name in the luxury watch industry. Visit us or contact us to learn more about what we offer.
FAQs About the Audemars Piguet 56175BA
What Makes the AP Royal Oak Worth Its Price?
Each Royal Oak is hand-finished by master artisans, using premium materials like white gold screws, sapphire crystal, and intricate finishing that few watchmakers can replicate. Its limited production and iconic heritage drive high demand among collectors.
How Much Does an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Cost?
Prices vary depending on model, materials, and condition. Pre-owned 35mm Royal Oaks typically range from $20,000 to $35,000, while new or limited editions can reach well above $50,000.
Do AP Royal Oaks Hold Their Value?
Yes, AP Royal Oaks hold their value well. In fact, they often appreciate in time due to their high demand, limited production, and iconic status. Although market fluctuations can occur, the Royal Oak is generally considered a wise long-term investment.
How to Spot a Fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak?
Authentic Royal Oaks stand out for their superior weight, flawless finish, smooth and sweeping movement, perfectly printed dial, and tapisserie pattern. Replicas often feel lighter, have rough edges, jerky movements, and low-quality designs on the dial and case. Also, ensure the watch has the correct serial number and that the complications are functional.
Who Wears an AP Royal Oak?
Celebrities spotted wearing AP Royal Oaks include Justin Bieber, Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Aryna Sabalenka.
