Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2018 Reference No: 26606ST Case No: K08107 Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 5134, 38 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 180mm and additional alligator strap with Audemars Piguet clasp Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet clasp Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet warranty card, additional strap, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Audemars Piguet's introduction of the Royal Oak marked the beginning of the luxury sports watch market we know today. Launched in 1972 at Basel Fair, it caused an immediate sensation as the watch industry had never seen anything comparable before. It was at the time the most expensive steel wristwatch available. It most notably housed the extra slim caliber 2121 based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre cal. 920, that would later be found in the Nautilus wristwatch. Today, the Royal Oak remains as iconic as ever, with early examples being exceedingly popular and collectible.
Displaying a stunning green dial with the “Grande Tapisserie" motif, the present watch is one of 50 examples made for the Hong Kong retailer, Unique Timepieces. It features a perpetual calendar complication within the iconic Royal Oak case. An instant success, the present model was immediately sold out when it was launched in 2018. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after Audemars Piguet limited edition models on the market.
It is offered in virtually new and unworn condition and is accompanied by its original factory sticker and accessories. The timepiece can be worn with its original Royal Oak bracelet, or an alternative green strap.
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.
Ref. 26606ST A highly rare, exclusive and attractive limited edition stainless steel perpetual calendar wristwatch with green dial, bracelet, original certificate and presentation box, made for the Hong Kong market and retailed by Unique Timepieces
2018 41mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed