Before Patek Philippe surprised the watch world by unveiling its new square-shaped collection, the Cubitus, another Swiss brand, had already trodden the turn of the classic square path. In the late 1970s, Audemars Piguet released an unusual yet elegant variation of its now-iconic Royal Oak Jumbo: the best replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 6005ST watches.
While Audemars Piguet’s rectangular Royal Oak was released when square AAA UK fake watches were far from cool, this early example brings undeniable charm and distinctive design, making it a fascinating comparison to Patek’s new Cubitus.
Breaking Tradition: The Royal Oak Square’s Debut
Much like the recent launch of the divisive Cubitus, Audemars Piguet’s release of the rectangular Royal Oak felt was a departure from tradition. It was 1977 (I wasn’t born), and Gerald Genta’s revolutionary Royal Oak design had only been around for five years. The model quickly captured hearts as a trendsetter among steel sports cheap replica watches, largely due to its iconic octagonal bezel and integrated steel bracelet.
The 6005ST, with its rectangular case and quartz movement (yes, quartz), was a bold step in a new direction. This rare model, produced from 1977 to 1980, maintained the Royal Oak’s legendary tapisserie dial pattern and ultra slim, dressy look. However, unlike its mechanical sibling, the 6005ST was equipped with a high-precision quartz movement, a nod to the technology of the time. Just as the Cubitus has taken some by surprise, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Square copy watches for men defied expectations and created a fresh and unconventional take on a beloved classic.
Why Quartz? Why A Square Royal Oak?
While Audemars Piguet’s flagship octagonal Royal Oak, reference 5402, was celebrated for its ruggedness and mechanical sophistication, the 6005ST aimed to bring a sleek elegance and convenience. Unlike Patek’s Cubitus, which embraces Patek’s own Caliber 26‑330 mechanical movement (seen in the Nautilus), Audemars Piguet’s 6005ST featured an OMEGA quartz movement, the Caliber 1370, rebranded as AP’s Caliber 2511. It wasn’t just about shifting case shapes; it was also a recognition of the high-tech trend represented by quartz high quality replica watches.
A few quirky design elements came with this innovative quartz movement. For instance, setting the minute hand required pressing a pusher hidden within the crown—a unique detail that became a defining feature of this model. This functionality, paired with the undeniable accuracy of quartz, made it a truly practical piece, even if it sacrificed some of the mechanical allure of other Royal Oaks.
A Comfortable Fit with a “Square” Appeal
Like the new Cubitus, the 6005ST’s square profile plays with wristwatch proportions in a way that feels different from the classic round or octagonal cases. Though not precisely square—more of a rounded rectangle—the 6005ST wears comfortably even on larger wrists, much like the Cubitus has surprised early testers with its versatile size.
Fans of the Royal Oak Square often describe it as one of the most comfortable Swiss made super clone watches in their collections, thanks to its light build and the Genta-designed integrated bracelet, which allows it to “flow” along the wrist. Similarly, the new Patek Philippe Cubitus takes inspiration from Genta’s design language with an integrated bracelet reminiscent of the Nautilus, which is why it’s already being compared to the Santos by Cartier and the TAG Heuer Monaco.
The Retro Square Royal Oak Appeal and Pricing in the Aftermarket
Finding 1:1 China replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Square watches, reference 6005ST, in today’s aftermarket can be challenging, especially given the model’s short production run and the limited number still in circulation. This rarity has made it an attractive option for collectors, particularly those drawn to vintage timepieces with a unique design story. Currently, prices for the Royal Oak Square range from A$20,000 to as much as A$60,000 on marketplaces like Chrono24, with condition, originality, and maintenance history playing significant roles in determining value.
While some collectors might shy away from the quartz movement in favour of Audemars Piguet’s mechanical pieces, the 6005ST’s historical significance and unique appeal have allowed it to hold strong in the vintage market. Quartz models in excellent condition, with crisp cases, intact tapisserie dials, and minimal bracelet stretch, tend to attract higher premiums.
That said, paying $40,000 for quartz top fake watches is hard to get my head around.
A Rare and Distinctive Place in AP’s Legacy
For those who score a Royal Oak Square, it represents an opportunity to own something rare and almost experimental from Audemars Piguet’s history. They have been known to create some absolute shockers, but this is not one of them. The square’s high-energy quartz movement and distinctive aesthetic were ahead of their time, and the Royal Oak Square is now cherished as replica watches wholesale UK with character, precision, and comfort.
Much like the Cubitus has somewhat ‘reinvigorated’ Patek’s lineup or at least created hype, the Royal Oak Square 6005ST attracts collectors of niche vintage best quality copy watches and appeals to anyone drawn to its oddball elegance that’s somehow both old-school and modern.
Although the Royal Oak Square was a short-lived experiment, it holds an important place in Audemars Piguet’s history, much like how the Cubitus will likely be remembered in Patek Philippe’s. Maybe not.
The Rarity and Appeal of the Royal Oak Square
Square and rectangular cases have experienced a resurgence in recent years, but this trend is more than just about aesthetics—it’s a statement. The luxury replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Square 6005ST watches, like the Cubitus, is a reminder that innovation in case design can spark renewed interest in watchmaking. While many collectors now favour Audemars Piguet’s original octagonal Royal Oak, reference 6005ST holds a unique place as an early deviation in the Royal Oak line, offering a slender, refined profile that remains unmatched.
The competition between square-cased fake watches for sale like the new Cubitus, Cartier Santos, TAG Heuer Monaco and the original Royal Oak Square highlights the modern appeal of unusual design choices.
Scoring a vintage square Royal Oak just might be the easiest way to enter the AP family, which is notoriously hard to acquire, and you’ll have something very cool and unique to show for it.