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59

Audemars Piguet

Ref. 14802ST

Royal Oak Jubilée "Yves Klein"

An extremely rare stainless steel limited edition wristwatch with sapphire blue dial, date, bracelet and certificate made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the model

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000
€98,200 - 196,000
$106,000 - 212,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Audemars Piguet
Year
1992
Reference No
14802ST
Movement No
374'467
Case No
D12257.85
Model Name
Royal Oak Jubilée "Yves Klein"
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Automatic, cal 2121, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions
39mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity dated December 16, 1992, timepiece life and care card and service box. Furthermore accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
The reference 14802 saw the rebirth of the 39mm “Jumbo” Royal Oak for the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak. Sold between 1992 and 2002, 691 examples were produced in steel (with 2 dial variations), 286 in yellow gold (with 4 dial variations), along with 20 in platinum (with 2 dial variations). Ref. 14802 introduced the first salmon dials as well as hammered "Tuscan blue" iterations, although there is no record of how many of these special dials were produced. In addition, a sapphire caseback revealed calibre 2121 and most of the latter’s gold oscillating weights featured an anniversary motif accompanied by the case number.

The present example is one of the rarest iterations as it features a stunning blue dial dubbed "Yves Klein" by collectors as the intense electric blue is reminiscent of the characteristic color used by the French artist in the 60's. Having been fascinated by the sky since a young age, Yves Klein spent much time perfecting the exact shade of brilliant ultramarine blue because he thought it captured the sense of space. Klein's paintings became centered on this color, which was patented later on as "International Klein Blue (IKB).

Research further shows that these specific dials where produces by "Stern Creations", which also made the dials of the original 5402ST.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the watch, with its 39mm "Jumbo" case, exudes presence on the wrist while remaining well balanced as a result of its slim case. The splash of electric " Yves Klein" blue adds playfulness and further dramatizes the timepiece's overall appearance.

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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