When Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972, nobody immediately understood the disruptive power of a model which was destined to truly change the face of the luxury watch market, and whose effects still reverberates today.

Twenty-five years later, however, the impact of the Royal Oak was more than apparent, and Audemars Piguet celebrated this anniversary with an extremely rarefied series of absolutely outstanding timepieces. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Automatique 25th Anniversary was realized in 46 examples overall in pink gold, yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel and one example in pink and white gold made for the Sultan of Brunei; only 25 pieces in steel ever left the factory.

Beyond its absolute rarity, the ultra-thin movement itself was a remarkable feat of engineering, and it remained for a long time the only automatic tourbillon movement to be found in a Royal Oak. In order to achieve this combination, a number of technical solutions were developed, such as the use of a bumper rotor: the tourbillon cage would impede the full revolution of a normal rotor. Another interesting feature is the crown placed on the caseback, which allows the absolute balance and symmetry of the dial to overflow to the case as well.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the stunning combination of vibrant salmon dial and utilitarian steel case and bracelet is one of the most desirable found in wristwatches since the earliest part of the century. This 25th Anniversary Royal Oak remains as relevant in technical achievements as it does in aesthetic appeal at its 50th anniversary.