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1083Σ

Audemars Piguet

Ref. 26078RO.OO.D001VS.01

Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II

A fine pink gold and ceramic chronograph with date, numbered 374 of a limited edition of 500 pieces

Estimate
HK$155,000 - 235,000
€17,500 - 26,500
$19,900 - 30,100
HK$375,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Audemars Piguet
Year
Circa 2006
Reference No
26078RO.OO.D001VS.01
Case No
F73669, lim. ed. no. 374/500
Model Name
Royal Oak Offshore Rubens Barrichello II
Material
18K pink gold and ceramic
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 2326/2840, 54 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Alligator
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions
44mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Audemars Piguet service box and further delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on December 20, 2006.
Catalogue Essay
The Royal Oak Offshore is an even more sport-focused chronographic evolution of the Royal Oak. It makes very much sense that the F1 driver Rubens Barrichello had a collaboration with Audemars Piguet, as car racing is one of the preeminent applications for chronograph watches.

The present model Rubens Barrichello II was realized in 3 metals, all bearing ceramic bezel and pushers and all limited edition: a titanium version was made in 1000 pieces, the present rose gold one was realized in 500 examples - this one being number 374, and 150 specimens were made in platinum.

Beyond the name, many details are clear nods to the world of F1 racing, most notably the typical 8 hexagonal screws adorning the bezel in this instance take the shape of engine screws, the crown recalls a gearing part, and the pushers are reminiscent of air intakes/extractors of race cars.

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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