Amongst the vaunted perpetual calendar Royal Oaks, ref. 25686 stands out as one of the rarest and most desirable. Made from 1989 to 1998 in a total of 299 examples across various metals, 92 pieces were made in steel, 70 pieces in yellow gold, 37 in pink gold and platinum, 31 pieces in platinum, 26 pieces in steel and platinum, 25 pieces in platinum and pink gold, and only 18 were crafted in full pink gold.

Of those scarce few, even fewer were fitted with the coveted "cream" dial. Its subtle warm ivory hue, when paired with the rosy brilliance of polished pink gold, the effect is boundless warmth and elegance. The present example is extremely well-preserved with subtly aged dial and strong case proportions. Truly a precious gem, its rarity is matched only by its beauty. What’s worth noting is that the present movement’s plate is not gilded in pink gold as mentioned by AP Chronicles. However, Audemars Piguet has confirmed that this does not apply to all watches of this reference.

The ref. 25686 represents the peak of luxury sports watch design. The perpetual calendar Royal Oak was already an icon, but this seldomly seen pink gold example is the ultimate prize - a sunrise on the wrist shining with boundary-pushing design and masterful restraint.