107
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 15412BA.YG.1224BA.01-B
Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked “Rainbow”
A dazzling and pristine yellow gold skeletonized wristwatch with center seconds, double balance wheel, multi-color sapphire-set bezel, bracelet, guarantee, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Like-new condition, boutique-only model
• First appearance in yellow gold on auction market
• Original owner, full set
The Royal Oak Openwork Double Balance Wheel debuted in 2016 and was widely celebrated, the same year as Audemars Piguet partnered with Italian jeweler Carolina Bucci to create a ladies’ Royal Oak with a frosted effect, where a diamond-tipped tool is repeatedly applied to the case, giving it a shimmering, textured finish. It was in 2021 when Audemars Piguet introduced the reference 15412 in 18K yellow, white, and pink gold, combining the stunning Florentine-style “frosted” finish to the bracelet and adding stunning baguette-cut multi-colored sapphires. The coveted rainbow effect is quite sought-after in the watch world, and the brand implemented the rainbow bezel with elegance and panache.
Powering this beautiful timepiece is AP’s signature double balance wheel movement. While the intuition behind it is quite straightforward (two balance wheels double the inertial mass, ensuring better timekeeping), AP had to overcome significant technical challenges involving friction and energy management.
In like-new condition, from the original owner, and complete with its original accessories, this is the first appearance of the yellow gold iteration at public auction, and an exceptional opportunity for the collector.
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.