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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Midsize wristwatch

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56303ST

Partially verified

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a Midsize reference 56303ST wristwatch. It features a 33mm stainless steel case and an integrated stainless steel bracelet. The watch is defined by a 'slate' colored 'micro-tapisserie' dial featuring Tritium-filled indices. The design incorporates the signature eight hexagonal bezel screws on the octagonal bezel. The case construction reflects the brushing, polishing, and beveling finishing techniques associated with the Royal Oak line. This specific piece is presented in a condition described as having light signs of wear throughout. It serves as a variation on the larger Royal Oak models, intended to provide a different fit profile on the wrist. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, consistent with the reference designation for this midsize model series, and retains its original aesthetic characteristics as observed in the provided documentation.

Front view of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56303ST showing the dial and integrated bracelet.
Front view of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56303ST showing the dial and integrated bracelet. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Midsize wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet
Reference
56303ST
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 56303ST features a 33mm stainless steel case. The case includes an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, which remain visible on the exterior. The watch is equipped with an integrated stainless steel bracelet that matches the finish of the case.

It is appointed with hour markers filled with Tritium, which exhibit visible patina. The dial displays the Audemars Piguet signature and maintains its original finish with no degradation reported.

Evidence for this section
  • “33mm size”
  • “eight hexagonal bezel screws”
  • “'slate' colored 'micro-tapisserie' dial inside is outstanding, with virtually no degradation present and evenly patinated Tritium-filled indices.”

Design and Model Context

This midsize reference 56303ST follows the design established by the original 1972 Royal Oak models designed by Gerald Genta. The series utilizes stainless steel with detailed finishing, including hand-applied brushing and beveling.

The 33mm sizing is presented as an alternative to the 39mm 'Jumbo' size, intended to provide a more comfortable wearing experience for a wider range of wrist sizes. The model retains the essential design traits of the Royal Oak line while offering a smaller, more svelte case profile.

Evidence for this section
  • “Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta”
  • “33mm size lends itself to a more comfortable wearing experience”
  • “embody the ethos of the original Ref. 5402 'Jumbo' models, just with a smaller and even more svelte case.”

Condition

The auction description reports the watch to be in exceptional overall condition. Both the stainless steel case and the integrated bracelet show light signs of wear consistent with use.

The dial remains in original condition with the Tritium indices having developed an even patina over time.

Evidence for this section
  • “exceptional overall condition”
  • “fantastic case and matching integrated bracelet, both of which show light signs of wear throughout.”
  • “evenly patinated Tritium-filled indices”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific quartz movement caliber utilized in the 56303ST reference?
  • In which year was this specific watch manufactured?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 56303ST
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference56303ST“Ref. 56303ST”
MakerAudemars Piguet“Audemars Piguet”
ModelRoyal Oak Midsize“Royal Oak Midsize”
Case Size33mm“33mm size”
Dial ColorSlate“'slate' colored 'micro-tapisserie' dial”
Dial PatternMicro-tapisserie“'micro-tapisserie' dial”
Luminous MaterialTritium“Tritium-filled indices”
ConditionLight signs of wear“light signs of wear throughout”

Visible details

  • Octagonal bezel with eight hexagonal screws
  • Integrated stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp
  • Slate colored micro-tapisserie dial pattern
  • Tritium-filled indices showing signs of patina

Research qualifications

  • Movement caliber and specific production year are not documented in the provided source
  • Exact nature and extent of the light wear are subject to personal interpretation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Audemars Piguet مدل Royal Oak Midsize رفرنس 56303ST

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 7c4ca83956

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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