Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1998 Reference No: 25594ST Movement No: 448'399 Case No: No. 2066; E-4139 Model Name: Royal Oak Day-Date Moon Phase “Yves Klein” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2224/2825, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, additionally signed Gay Frères Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives.
Catalogue Essay
Having already launched the Royal Oak in 1972 as the first luxury stainless steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet, Audemars Piguet sought to develop the Royal Oak into a diverse range of timepieces offering collectors a variety of complications. In 1985, the firm released the ref. 25594 featuring a sleek 36mm diameter case with calendar functions indicating the day, date and moon phases.
The present example of the reference 25594 is cased in stainless steel and fitted with a striking electric blue dial, nicknamed “Yves Klein” for its precise resemblance to the Nouveau Realisme artist’s signature color. The petite tapisserie dial thus gives a highly lacquered effect, glistening in contrast to the steel case and white printing. Very few steel reference 25594s have appeared fitted with such a distinct coloration, as standard versions were offered with cream, silver, or black dials. Moreover, “Yves Klein” dials were fitted to very few Royal Oaks across all references, and have subsequently become some of the most coveted variations. Its collectability is augmented by a wearable 36mm case offered here in superb overall condition.
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. 25594ST A strikingly attractive and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, day, date, and moon phase indicators, and “sapphire blue" dial
Circa 1998 36.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
