In 1972, Gerald Genta presented Audemars Piguet with a design they were not sure the market was ready for: a luxury watch in stainless steel, with an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, and an integrated bracelet machined to a tolerance of fractions of a millimetre. They launched it at the price of gold watches. The market took a decade to respond. Today the Royal Oak Jumbo — the 39mm Extra-Thin in stainless steel — is among the most recognised and coveted watches ever produced. Calibre 2121, 8.1mm thin, 40-hour power reserve. The petite tapisserie dial is produced on a stamping machine by a craftsperson who produces perhaps three dials per day. ELITA sources genuine examples with full paper trail and authentication across all generations from 1972 to present. Maker: Audemars Piguet. Reference: 16202BC.OO.1240BC.02. Available through ELITA's private desk — verification review, discreet handling and storage. Price on request.