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Audemars Piguet
Ref. 56175TT.OO.0789TT.01
Royal Oak Championship
A fine and attractive limited edition tantalum and stainless steel quartz wristwatch with date, grey dial and bracelet, made in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces
Full-Cataloguing
- Limited to 2,000 pieces, sought-after Nick Faldo edition
- Two-tone tantalum and stainless steel case
- Old font on the brand name
Audemars Piguet has long explored innovative materials to meet collectors’ tastes, and tantalum is among the maison’s most admired choices for its dense weight, durability and attractive gun‑metal hue.
In 1990 AP issued the Royal Oak “Championship” ref. 56175TT as a limited edition of 2,000 pieces to commemorate Sir Nick Faldo’s consecutive Masters and Open Championship victories. Notable for its nuanced two‑tone case combining stainless steel and tantalum, this reference is historically important as the first Royal Oak to employ that particular metal pairing. While earlier AP pieces had combined tantalum with pink gold; the 56175TT was the brand’s initial steel and tantalum execution.
The watch measures 33 mm and is powered by Audemars Piguet’s quartz calibre 2612, with a practical date function, offering a refined, contemporary feel suitable for everyday wear. The “Championship” engraving on the caseback immediately identifies the limited reference and underscores its sporting provenance. The dial has developed an attractive tropical patina across its surface, which is particularly striking. The evenness of this ageing is an important indicator of careful preservation. It also carries the vintage font on the dial, a detail that is highly desirable in today’s market.
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.