Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1997
    Reference No: 25831ST
    Movement No: 386'152
    Case No: D92157
    Model Name: Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon 25th Anniversary
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2875
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, overall length approx. 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Audemars Piguet Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie stamped by Hong Kong retailer King Fook and dated July 26, 1997, Certificat d'Authenticite et d'Exclusivite and numbered sale tag.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972, nobody immediately understood the disruptive power of a model which was destined to truly change the face of the luxury watch market, and whose effects still reverberates today.

    25 years later, however, the impact of the Royal Oak was more than apparent, and Audemars Piguet celebrated this anniversary with an extremely rarefied series of absolutely outstanding timepieces. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Automatique 25th Anniversary was realized in 46 examples overall in pink gold, yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel and one example in pink and white gold made for the Sultan of Brunei; only 25 pieces in steel ever left the factory.

    Beyond its absolute rarity, the movement itself was 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, a number of technical solution were developed, such as the use of a bumper rotor: the tourbillon cage would impede the full revolution of a normal rotor. Another interesting feature is the crown placed in the back, which allows the absolute balance and symmetry of the dial to overflow to the case as well.

    The present piece not only is offered with its original Certificates, but furthermore is absolutely mint. Considering that only 25 examples in steel were ever made, it is very possible this is the only one of the series to remain in such a pristine and unspoiled condition, still retaining the original factory sticker to the bracelet.

  • 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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811

Ref. 25831ST
An exceptional and extremely rare stainless steel limited edition automatic wristwatch with tourbillon, date, power reserve indication, bracelet and certificates

Circa 1997
40mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€21,800-43,500
$25,000-50,000

Sold for HK$675,000

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017