Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 25820ST.OO.0944ST.04
    Movement No: 439’204
    Case No: E33’654 and 188
    Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "Yves Klein"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2120/2802, 38 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, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Audemars Piguet digital Extract from the Archives confirming its date of register of the present timepiece on 10th April 2001.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introducing a leap year indicator to Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, the reference 25820 was launched in 1996 and remained in production until 2013, totaling just 628 steel examples. This timepiece features the renowned blue dial, often referred to as the “Yves Klein” due to its striking hue.

    The fascination with the sky and its colors inspired French painter Yves Klein to create a vibrant shade of sapphire blue, which he believed encapsulated the essence of space. This color, known as "International Klein Blue (IKB)", became a central theme in Klein's artwork. When Audemars Piguet introduced a similar vibrant blue in their watches, collectors quickly adopted the nickname "Yves Klein". The present timepiece showcases the iconic petite tapisserie dial, enhanced by a lacquered texture at the calendar registers, creating a captivating contrast.

    The case is well-preserved in excellent condition, with very crisp edges on both the case and bracelet. At 39mm, it mirrors the dimensions of the original Jumbo ref. 5402, marking the final 39mm iteration before Audemars Piguet transitioned to the new cal. 5134 in 2015, which debuted the larger 41mm ref. 26574. This present watch is surely a future classic, making it an ideal choice for the distinguished Audemars Piguet collector seeking an attractive and collectible timepiece.

  • 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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841

Ref. 25820ST.OO.0944ST.04
A very rare and attractive stainless steel perpetual calendar wristwatch with "Yves Klein" blue dial, moon phases, leap year indication and bracelet

Circa 2001
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$560,000 - 1,120,000 
€65,600-131,000
$71,800-144,000

Sold for HK$825,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024