133
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25820TP
Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
An uber rare and stunning tantalum/platinum automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with blue "Tuscan" dial, moonphases, leap year indication.
- Estimate
- CHF130,000 - 260,000€139,000 - 279,000$157,000 - 315,000
CHF165,100
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- 1997
- Reference No
- 25820TP
- Movement No
- 396'904
- Case No
- D80619 further engraved N°18
- Model Name
- Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
- Material
- Platinum/Tantalum
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2120/2802, 38 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Platinum/tantalum Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum/tantalum Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 39mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity and Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Perpetual calendar: check
Tantalum/platinum case: check
Blue Tuscan dial: check
The present Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar Royal Oak reference 25820TP is a true collector's dream as it merges elements that are rarely seen together.
The reference 25820 was introduced in 1996 (and remained in production until 2013) and introduced not only the leap year indicator to the Royal Oak perpetual calendar model but also an interesting mix of metal and dial combinations like the present tantalum/platinum example with blue “Tuscan” dial.
While two-tone cases made of contrasting metals (such as platinum and pink gold, or steel and yellow gold) are easily understood from an aesthetic point of view, two-tone cases made out of similar metals are much more subtle - but not in the least less impressive - creations. The aesthetic “ton-sur-ton” effect that stems from the gentle gleam of platinum meeting the darker, sterner, more military hue of tantalum, is absolutely captivating.
Furthermore the watch features the uber desirable and rare blue “Tuscan” dial, this superb finish, is made by hand by hammering the surface which gives it an irregular but above all unique rendering since no dial is the same. The fine and delicate ridges on the dial catch the light perfectly and can change in tone depending on the angle.
According to Audemars Piguet, the watch was not originally born with a “Tuscan” dial, but the latter was described in the books in 2001 when the watch came for servicing. Its remarkable looks are just a part of the attractiveness of this piece, as they are coupled with a very unusual production history, which results in an even more restricted output than the number 18 on the caseback would suggest.
In fact, 25 such numbered cases were produced by Audemars Piguet. However, they were employed - not with consecutive case range - on 2 different references, the present reference 25820TP and reference 25829TP with open-worked dial. In fact, Audemars Piguet had planned an original run of 16 pieces for the ref 25820TP, but only 9 left the workshops, making the present example an incredibly rare and collectable piece.
Tantalum/platinum case: check
Blue Tuscan dial: check
The present Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar Royal Oak reference 25820TP is a true collector's dream as it merges elements that are rarely seen together.
The reference 25820 was introduced in 1996 (and remained in production until 2013) and introduced not only the leap year indicator to the Royal Oak perpetual calendar model but also an interesting mix of metal and dial combinations like the present tantalum/platinum example with blue “Tuscan” dial.
While two-tone cases made of contrasting metals (such as platinum and pink gold, or steel and yellow gold) are easily understood from an aesthetic point of view, two-tone cases made out of similar metals are much more subtle - but not in the least less impressive - creations. The aesthetic “ton-sur-ton” effect that stems from the gentle gleam of platinum meeting the darker, sterner, more military hue of tantalum, is absolutely captivating.
Furthermore the watch features the uber desirable and rare blue “Tuscan” dial, this superb finish, is made by hand by hammering the surface which gives it an irregular but above all unique rendering since no dial is the same. The fine and delicate ridges on the dial catch the light perfectly and can change in tone depending on the angle.
According to Audemars Piguet, the watch was not originally born with a “Tuscan” dial, but the latter was described in the books in 2001 when the watch came for servicing. Its remarkable looks are just a part of the attractiveness of this piece, as they are coupled with a very unusual production history, which results in an even more restricted output than the number 18 on the caseback would suggest.
In fact, 25 such numbered cases were produced by Audemars Piguet. However, they were employed - not with consecutive case range - on 2 different references, the present reference 25820TP and reference 25829TP with open-worked dial. In fact, Audemars Piguet had planned an original run of 16 pieces for the ref 25820TP, but only 9 left the workshops, making the present example an incredibly rare and collectable piece.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.