Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2019 Reference No: 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01 Movement No: AU9396 Case No: XT5350K Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Material: Platinum, titanium Calibre: Automatic, cal. 5133, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Titanium Audemars Piguet bracelet with polished platinum links, numbered 1240, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by International Warranty Card, fitted presentation box, additional self-winding mechanism, setting pin, two additional links, product literature and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In 2018, Audemars Piguet unveiled the RD#2, with "RD" signifying "Research and Development," a department dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking through technological advancements and breakthroughs.
At a mere 2.89mm thickness, the RD#2's movement surpassed even the simplest three-hand ultra-thin caliber already in production at the time. Audemars Piguet then reduced the case thickness to a remarkable 6.3mm, subtly altering the iconic octagonal Royal Oak shape to integrate the perpetual calendar mechanism seamlessly. The traditional petite tapisserie dial, synonymous with Royal Oak designs, was entirely omitted, opting instead for a sleek, futuristic matte blue dial, possibly to reduce dial thickness to the minimum. The outcome is undeniably contemporary, distinguishing the reference 26586IP from other Royal Oak perpetual calendar models currently available.
At the heart of the RD#2 Perpetual Calendar is the perpetual calendar complication, a hallmark of haute horology that accurately tracks the date, day, month, leap year, and moon phase. What further sets this timepiece apart is the meticulous attention to detail and the innovative use of materials—the combination of polished platinum and brushed titanium results in a timepiece that exudes elegance while embracing modernity and functionality.
Offered in excellent condition and complete with all of its accompanying accessories, this is a rare and not-to-be-missed opportunity to obtain one of the most aesthetically pleasing and technically sophisticated timepieces from Audemars Piguet.
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.
Ref. 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01 A very attractive and ultra-thin platinum and titanium perpetual calendar wristwatch with integrated bracelet, leap year indicator, moon phase, certificate of origin, and presentation box
Circa 2019 41mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet, and clasp signed
