The historical term"automatic watches" comes from the hollowed tree in which King
Charles II of England took refuge from his pursuers following the Battle of Worcester in 1651, but the name also became synonymous when using the Royal Navy when a series of battle ships were named HMS Royal Oak. One of these ships, the first armoured British warship had a unique construction it had octagonal portholes with the exterior frames being secured with bolts visible from the outside. And thus taking not only the name but also inspiration from its very construction, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak had a original design, the now instantly recognisable octagonal bezel with eight visible screws going right through it. To complete the impression of a bold, sporty piece the bracelet was incorporated, yet this contrasted with the classic almost delicate detailing of the superb guilloche dial. These main features made for a unique but difficult to construct finished form.