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Actor Michele Morrone spotted wearing Audemars Piguet

Michele Morrone, the Italian actor and model who became an international name after starring in Netflix's 365 Days, was recently photographed wearing a striking vintage timepiece that serious collectors will immediately recognize: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' reference 5402SA, a rare two-tone variant of one of horology's most consequential watches.

The Royal Oak 'Jumbo' reference 5402 was introduced in 1972 as the very watch that redefined what a luxury sports watch could be. Designed by Gerald Genta and unveiled at the Basel trade fair, the original stainless steel model shocked the industry by carrying a high price tag for a steel watch. The 5402SA designation indicates the two-tone execution — pairing stainless steel with yellow gold across the iconic octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and 39mm case. Inside beats the calibre 2121, an ultra-thin automatic movement just 3.05mm thick, co-developed with Jaeger-LeCoultre as the base calibre 920, offering a 40-hour power reserve and a date complication neatly integrated at 3 o'clock beneath the famous 'tapisserie' dial.

Among collectors, the 5402SA occupies a specific and coveted niche. The two-tone configuration was never as commercially dominant as the all-steel or full-gold versions, making surviving examples rarer on the secondary market. Dial condition, bracelet stretch, and the integrity of the original finishing across both metals are the primary factors determining value — a well-preserved example with matching bracelet commands a meaningful premium. The reference was produced through the late 1970s and into the 1980s before being superseded by subsequent Royal Oak generations.

Morrone, who rose to global visibility through his role as the brooding Massimo Torricelli in the 2020 Netflix film 365 Days, has cultivated a style identity that leans toward bold, considered choices. Choosing a vintage Audemars Piguet rather than a current-production piece signals either genuine horological curiosity or well-advised collecting instincts — either way, the 5402SA is not a watch one stumbles into accidentally.

On the current grey market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' reference 5402SA trades in the vicinity of $40,000, with condition and provenance driving significant variation. As collector appetite for vintage Royal Oak references continues to mature, the 5402SA in any configuration remains a foundational piece.