Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1996
    Reference No: 25810OR
    Movement No: 439’155
    Case No: D68848
    Model Name: Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel Automatique
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal.2120, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold concealed Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming date of register of the present timepiece on 19 February 1996 with rotor bearing the number “120” as part of a 120 pieces limited edition for the 120th anniversary of Audemars Piguet.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With Audemars Piguet celebrating their highly anticipated 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak this year in 2022, it is important to take a look back at the rich heritage of the firm and admire the masterpieces that has paved the way to what the Royal Oak has become today. Regarded by collectors as one of the most iconic timepieces of all time, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is to many the crown jewel among them all.

    In the early 1980s, Audemars Piguet embarked to incorporating the perpetual calendar to the Royal Oak. During a time of uncertainty in the watch industry due to the quartz crisis, the firm stuck to their roots with a forward vision in maintaining the production of mechanical watches. It was the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar that has made its important impact in the resurrection of the firm.

    In 1995, Audemars Piguet had another yet important milestone, the 120th anniversary of the firm. While it has been a tradition for watch brands to launch limited edition or commemorative timepieces, it was inevitable that the chosen wristwatch was a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, this was the ref. 25810OR. Cased in its classic 39mm diameter case in pink gold with a matching pink gold dial, the model was limited to only 120 pieces. Featuring a highly attractive pink gold dial with a beautiful contrast between the main surface in matte and the registers in sunburst style, the appeal is simply stunning. Celebrated on the dial, the moon phases register is inscribed with the commemoration dates “1875-1995” A subtle, yet meaningful touch, the anniversary is further highlighted on the hand-engraved skeletonised rotor with “120”. Powered by the firm’s self-winding cal. 2120 the movement is equipped with a weekly and leap year indication, with its week of the year indicated via an additional central hand on a chapter ring rimming the edge of the dial.

    The present example from 1996 is offered in excellent overall condition and is a rare sight to behold. Elegant, luxurious and important, the present Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 120th Anniversary edition will surely be the perfect addition to lovers and collectors of the Royal Oak.

  • 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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940

Ref. 25810OR
A very rare and attractive limited edition pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indication and bracelet, part of a 120 pieces limited edition made to commemorate Audemars Piguet's 120th anniversary

1996
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000 
€127,000-255,000
$128,000-256,000

Sold for HK$1,701,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022