The perpetual calendar has long been an admirable asset to horology and even more so for Audemars Piguet which have been producing some of the finest over the decades. In 1972, the firm released the Royal Oak, the world’s first luxury sports wristwatch encased in stainless steel with an integrated bracelet amidst the quartz crisis, eventually saving the firm from it. With that said, it was inevitable for the two most valued assets of the manufacture to merge into one, and in 1984 that happened with Audemars Piguet releasing their first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 5554 powered by the cal. 2120/2800. Marking a new era for the coveted model, the first reference was released in small quantities with just 279 examples in total, 229 of them in yellow gold, 49 pieces in stainless steel and just 1 example in platinum.

Just one year later, the firm released the ref. 25636 featuring a skeletonized dial allowing for the first time for collectors to witness the sophisticated perpetual calendar movement in action. In the 1990s, the firm released the ref. 25829 marking the return of the skeletonized dial, however upgraded with a leap year indication on the 12 O’clock register. The model was released with several variants including examples in stainless steel, platinum, yellow gold and pink gold, as well as rare examples in two tone tantalum with platinum, pink gold and yellow gold. Extremely attractive, the 39mm diameter case retains its cal. 2120 maintaining its slim profile and snug wrist presence. The skeletonized dial with a perfectly symmetrical layout further heightens the aesthetical appeal of the timepiece matching harmoniously with its iconic and symmetrical Royal Oak case.

The present example Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 25829OR is an absolute stunner. With the recent rise in demand for Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars, this is a chance for collectors to acquire one of the most beloved references that is no longer in production. While the newest models feature a 41mm diameter case, collectors who prefer a smaller yet contemporary case dimension, this is the perfect example to add to their collection. Consigned by the original owner and offered in excellent overall condition complete with its full set of accessories, this fresh-to-the-market example is out to impress.