Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1980
    Reference No: 25654SA
    Movement No: 294'158
    Case No: C-49561
    Model Name: Quantieme Perpetuel Automatique, Royal Oak
    Material: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, 2120, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, 168 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Audemars Piguet folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39 mm. width
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved No. 509
    Literature: For a similar example of a Royal Oak perpetual calendar wristwatch however a different reference, please see Audemars Piguet by Francois Chaille, page 220.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Royal Oak, designed in collaboration with Gerard Genta, was unveiled at Audemars Piguet's booth during the 1972 Basel fair. At the time, it was the most expensive sports watch to be cased in stainless steel. This daring move shocked the watchmaking community, and sparked debate on the practicality, value and aesthetics of the watch. Yet, the Royal Oak came to redefine the luxury sports watch industry, and inspired many watchmakers thereafter to create high end stainless steel wristwatches.

    The present 'C series' watch, cased in stainless steel and yellow gold, features the perpetual calendar function. While the dial does not display a leap year indication, the watch automatically corrects itself every year. The watch is fitted with the ultra thin caliber 2120, giving the watch a very elegant look. Preserved in excellent condition, the present watch is truly an important member of the Royal Oak's history.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    A 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.

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Property of a Gentleman

247

Ref. 25654SA
A very rare stainless steel and yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases and bracelet

Circa 1980
39 mm. width
Case, dial and movement signed, case further engraved No. 509

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 150,000 

Sold for HK$125,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

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Specialist
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Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016