18
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26574BC
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “Qatar Edition”
A virtually new, unworn, and very scarce white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with burgundy dial, moonphases, bracelet, guarantee, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Property of the original owner
• Preserved in virtually new, unworn condition
• Believed to be made in less than 100 pieces
• Complete collectors set
One of the most fiercely desired modern timepieces, the Royal Oak needs little to no introduction. Starting with humble beginnings as a simple two hander with date - and practically “bullied” by the entire market at launch as either a folly or a delusion - it in fact ushered in an entire new market segment, the luxury sport’s watch, and has today been endowed with virtually any complication imaginable.
However, the perpetual calendar version remains one of the most sought-after complications to be found in a Royal Oak. Multiple reasons can be pointed out for such a trend: the utmost practicality of a perpetual calendar in an automatic luxury sport’s watch; the horological refinement of the complication, since ever regarded as one of the pinnacles of watchmaking; the intrinsic rarity bestowed upon these watches by their labor-intensive movements; the supreme aesthetic balance of the resulting dial configuration.
One of the rarest variations of the model, the present ref. 26574 in white gold features an enormously appealing and unusual plum colored dial, the deep reddish-violet hue in striking contrast with the white gold case for an absolutely spectacular final effect.
Audemars Piguet provides very scarce public information about the piece, but on their website it is described as a “special edition”. In depth research indicates that it was made in less than 100 pieces, and most likely was a special commission piece for Qatar. In virtually new, unworn condition, it is consigned by the original owner and complete with all accessories.
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.