In 1972, watchmaker Gérald Genta changed the course of horological history forever when he presented a pioneering design that perfect replica Audemars Piguet had commissioned him to conceive—the Royal Oak. One of the founding fathers of contemporary watchmaking, Gérald had in one fell swoop established an entire new category of fine timepieces with the Royal Oak; the luxury sports watch. Sports-luxe watches were a significant departure from dress watches of the era—their slim, traditional round dial and neat leather straps were a world away from The Royal Oak’s design DNA. This was an imposing, bold, and let’s face it, very cool watch. There were several key design codes of the…