Audemars Piguet - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 25594ST
    Movement No: 440’689
    Case No: D-87626; No. 1913
    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 approximate overall length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Origin dated November 7, 1997, instruction manual, octagonal presentation box, and outer box.

  • 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 phase.

    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 Extract from the Archives confirms that this reference 25594 was indeed born with the “Yves Klein” blue dial. The petite tapisserie dial treated with this vibrant blue color 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, subsequently becoming some of the most coveted variations. Its collectability is augmented by its wearable 36mm case, offered here in superb overall condition and complete with its original suite of accessories.

  • 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. 25594ST
A strikingly attractive and well-preserved stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, day, date, moon phase indicators, and “sapphire blue” dial, with guarantee and presentation box

1997
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF18,000-36,000
€18,700-37,400
HK$156,000-312,000
S$27,200-54,300

Sold for $48,260

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023