Audemars Piguet - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 2010
    Reference No: 25902OR.OO.1110OR.01
    Movement No: 719’248
    Case No: F59312
    Model Name: Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2875, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak integrated bracelet, max length 230mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 41mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed .
    Accessories: Accompanied by guarantee booklet indicating sale on May 12th 2010 at the Audemars Piguet boutique in New York City, product literature, fitted presentation box, outer packaging, and hang tag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1997, it had become clear that the Royal Oak, despite misgivings at the outset, had become a true classic of modern watchmaking and a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s horological offerings. A 25th anniversary commemorative Royal Oak Automatic Tourbillon was released, bearing the exceptional caliber 2875, and offered in a few selected case metals.

    Beyond its absolute rarity, the movement itself is 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 within an ultra-thin design, a number of technical solutions were developed, such as the use of a bumper rotor: the one-minute tourbillon cage would impede the full revolution of a normal rotor. Another interesting feature is the winding crown’s placement on the caseback, which allows the absolute balance and symmetry of the dial to continue to the case as well.

    Turn the watch over and through the sapphire caseback, one can see true watchmaking artistry: an elaborately engraved and openworked mainplate, with floral and leaf scroll motifs and the Audemars Piguet logo cleverly rendered seamlessly into the design. The same design frames the outer portion of the skeletonized dial and is visible through the tourbillon cage.

    Utterly rare, these hardly ever seen Royal Oak Automatic Tourbillons approach the summit of Royal Oak collecting. Being sold to benefit The One Drop Foundation, a non-profit striving to provide safe drinking water to vulnerable communities, the present lot is exceptionally well-preserved and is complete with its original guarantee, presentation boxes, and hang tag.

    Consigned by the Original Owner

  • 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. 25902OR.OO.1110OR.01
A very fine and extremely rare pink gold skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with power reserve, date indicator, integrated bracelet, certificate, and presentation box, sold to benefit The One Drop Foundation

2010
41mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed .

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF54,000-108,000
€50,500-101,000
HK$465,000-930,000

Sold for $352,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020