Royal Oak perpetual calendars have always been admired by collectors as it combines two important elements of the firm into one, the iconic octagonal case with its legendary perpetual calendar mechanism. In 1996, the firm released the ref. 25800 series featuring a 33mm diameter case, it was intended for Ladies users but released as a Men's mid-size timepiece. What is notably interesting is that the watch utilizes the cal. 2141/2806 which was specifically developed and implemented for this specific reference and also features a leap year indicator on the dial. Exceedingly rare and scarcely produced for only a few years and possibly the smallest self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch ever produced by Audemars Piguet, the present lot was the first Royal Oak perpetual calendar model was made in white gold, while most examples of the reference were produced either in stainless steel or yellow gold.

The mid 1990s was certainly an interesting era for the firm, having launched the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993, the exploration of vibrantly coloured dials was also in full swing by 1996. The ref. 25800 was one that was produced with bright coloured dials, offering collectors a refreshed appeal of the admirable Royal Oak.

The present example Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 25800 in white gold is adorned with an electrifying baby blue dial with petite diamond-set indexes. An extremely rare sight, it is further excellently preserved boasting a clean and well-preserved condition. Adding to its charm the present timepiece is confirmed by an Extract from the Archives issued by Audemars Piguet.