33
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25829TP
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
An extremely rare and superb tantalum and platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with openworked dial and bracelet, part of a 16 pieces limited series
- Estimate
- CHF120,000 - 240,000€118,000 - 236,000$127,000 - 255,000
CHF768,100
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- 1997
- Reference No
- 25829TP
- Movement No
- 425'280
- Case No
- D80626.025
- Model Name
- Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
- Material
- Tantalum and platinum
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal 2120/2800, 38 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Tantalum and platinum Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 175mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Tantalum and platinum Audemars Piguet deployant clasp further stamped Gay Frères
- Dimensions
- 39mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet blank Certificate of Origin, product literature and setting pin. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Same as reference 25820 but in an openwork version, reference 25829 was produced for the same period (1996-2013) and made in 371 pieces in steel, 102 pieces in yellow gold, 174 in pink gold, 156 in platinum, 25 in steel and platinum plus another one made in 2006, 15 pieces in tantalum and yellow gold, 16 in tantalum and platinum, and 16 in tantalum and pink gold.
While two tone cases made of contrasting metals (such as platinum and pink gold, or steel and yellow gold) are easily understood from an aesthetically point of view, two-tone cases made out of similar metals are much more subtle - but not in the least less impressive - creations. The aesthetic “ton-sur-ton” effect that stems from the gentle gleam of platinum meeting the darker, sterner, more military hue of tantalum, is absolutely captivating.
Its remarkable looks are just a part of the attractiveness of this piece, as they are couple with a very unusual production history which results in an even more restricted output than the number 25 on the caseback would suggest.
In fact, 25 such numbered cases were produced by Audemars Piguet (this being the last of the batch). However, they were employed - not with consecutive case range - on 2 different references: 16 examples were used for the present ref. 25829TP with openworked dial, and the rest on its sibling ref. 25820TP with solid dial. Thus this is a very quirky - and enormously collectible - example of a 16 pieces limited series model bearing number 25.
Given its looks and production history, it is unarguable that we are in the presence of a masterpiece that is as important and collectible as it is exquisite and entrancing.
While two tone cases made of contrasting metals (such as platinum and pink gold, or steel and yellow gold) are easily understood from an aesthetically point of view, two-tone cases made out of similar metals are much more subtle - but not in the least less impressive - creations. The aesthetic “ton-sur-ton” effect that stems from the gentle gleam of platinum meeting the darker, sterner, more military hue of tantalum, is absolutely captivating.
Its remarkable looks are just a part of the attractiveness of this piece, as they are couple with a very unusual production history which results in an even more restricted output than the number 25 on the caseback would suggest.
In fact, 25 such numbered cases were produced by Audemars Piguet (this being the last of the batch). However, they were employed - not with consecutive case range - on 2 different references: 16 examples were used for the present ref. 25829TP with openworked dial, and the rest on its sibling ref. 25820TP with solid dial. Thus this is a very quirky - and enormously collectible - example of a 16 pieces limited series model bearing number 25.
Given its looks and production history, it is unarguable that we are in the presence of a masterpiece that is as important and collectible as it is exquisite and entrancing.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
Browse MakerToday, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.