Audemars Piguet - The Royal Oak 50th Geneva Friday, May 6, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1992
    Reference No: 14802ST
    Movement No: 374'467
    Case No: D12257.85
    Model Name: Royal Oak Jubilée "Yves Klein"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity dated December 16, 1992, timepiece life and care card and service box. Furthermore accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 14802 saw the rebirth of the 39mm “Jumbo” Royal Oak for the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Sold between 1992 and 2002, 691 examples were produced in steel (with 2 dial variations), 286 in yellow gold (with 4 dial variations), along with 20 in platinum (with 2 dial variations). Ref. 14802 introduced the first salmon dials as well as hammered "Tuscan blue" iterations, although there is no record of how many of these special dials were produced. In addition, a sapphire caseback revealed calibre 2121 and most of the latter’s gold oscillating weights featured an anniversary motif accompanied by the case number.

    The present example is one of the rarest iterations as it features a stunning blue dial dubbed "Yves Klein" by collectors as the intense electric blue is reminiscent of the characteristic color used by the French artist in the 60's. Having been fascinated by the sky since a young age, Yves Klein spent much time perfecting the exact shade of brilliant ultramarine blue because he thought it captured the sense of space. Klein's paintings became centered on this color, which was patented later on as "International Klein Blue (IKB).

    Research further shows that these specific dials where produces by "Stern Creations", which also made the dials of the original 5402ST.

    Preserved in excellent overall condition, the watch, with its 39mm "Jumbo" case, exudes presence on the wrist while remaining well balanced as a result of its slim case. The splash of electric " Yves Klein" blue adds playfulness and further dramatizes the timepiece's overall appearance.

  • 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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Ref. 14802ST
An extremely rare stainless steel limited edition wristwatch with sapphire blue dial, date, bracelet and certificate made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the model

1992
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€98,200-196,000
$106,000-212,000

Sold for CHF289,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi

Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

 

Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Head of Sale, Specialist
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

The Royal Oak 50th

Geneva Auction 6 May 2022