A special watch, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Cube” represents one of the brand’s most unconventional interpretations of the Royal Oak design. Produced between 1978 and 1984, the watch belongs to a brief and little-documented phase in the Royal Oak’s development, when Audemars Piguet was actively testing alternative case architectures and quartz calibers.

Executed entirely in 18k yellow gold, the “Cube” departs from Gérald Genta’s original porthole geometry with a rectangular silhouette. The “Cube” is AP’s luxury sports watch dressed up in a bespoke suit. The look is closer to late-1970s industrial design than to the nautical metaphor that defined the early Royal Oak narrative.

A dark grey petite tapisserie dial with a yellow-gold stick handset complements the case, while the watch remains fitted to the Royal Oak’s integrated bracelet with a signed locking fold-over clasp.

The use of a quartz movement is central to understanding the watch. During this period, Audemars Piguet treated quartz as a parallel technical language, reserving it for precious-metal references and complex case designs where thinness, stability, and precision were essential.  

Accompanied by its Audemars Piguet travel pouch, this Royal Oak Cube was produced in limited numbers and far removed from the Royal Oak models that would later define the mainstream market. A rare and exciting find! 

Maker: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Cube
Year: 1978-1984
Material: 18k Yellow Gold 
Dial: Dark Gray Tapisserie
Case Measurement: 33mm x 36mm
Movement: Quartz
Condition: Very Good
Weight: 152 Grams
Size: Adjustable by removing links, fits Up to 7.0" Wrist
Includes: AP Travel Pouch
Made in Switzerland

All vintage and pre-owned watches sold by Stephanie Windsor are guaranteed to be genuine and authentic.  We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical movement for one (1) year from the date of purchase.  Our warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse, neglect, water damage or normal wear and tear.  Please note that we do not guarantee waterproofing on vintage or pre-owned timepieces. We therefore do not recommend submerging your timepiece in water or any liquid.