Audemars Piguet - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2025 Geneva Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | Phillips
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    • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
      Year: 2017
      Reference No: 26518ST
      Movement No: 973'794
      Case No: J56619
      Model Name: Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openworked
      Material: Stainless steel
      Calibre: Manual, cal. 2924, 25 jewels
      Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 205mm
      Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
      Dimensions: 41mm diameter
      Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
      Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet certificate of authenticity, Guarantee dated 7th September 2017, purchase invoice, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer box.

    • Catalogue Essay

      - First unveiled in 1972, Gérald Genta’s Royal Oak groundbreaking design has become a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s legacy. Over decades of evolution, the Royal Oak remains one of the most coveted and collectible watches in history. Its instantly recognizable octagonal bezel and exposed screws have cemented its status as an icon of modern watchmaking.

      - What sets this piece apart is not just the extra slim tourbillon—a hallmark of haute horology—but its skeletonized movement. This masterstroke of design allows an unobstructed view of the intricate mechanics, showcasing Audemars Piguet’s unparalleled ability to craft a true masterpiece of mechanical art. The bridges, with their elegantly curved and almost organic architecture, exude a futuristic, steampunk aesthetic, resembling a delicate yet powerful spiderweb when viewed from the back.

      - The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openworked debuted in platinum at the 2012 SIHH, followed by a yellow gold version in 2016. In 2017, the brand introduced it in stainless steel (like the present example) and pink gold, marking the final releases with this specific skeletonized movement design.

      - Elevating its appeal even further, this stainless-steel watch is part of a highly exclusive 100-piece limited edition, combining technical brilliance, artistic beauty, and extreme rarity into one extraordinary timepiece.

      - Accompanied by its accessories, the present watch is a hard to find opportunity for collectors to acquire this iconic piece.

    • Artist Biography

      Audemars Piguet

      Swiss • 1881

      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.

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Ref. 26518ST
An intricate and rare stainless steel tourbillon wristwatch with skeletonized dial and bracelet, part of a limited edition of 100 pieces

2017
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€107,000-213,000
$111,000-221,000

Sold for CHF203,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East
aghotbi@phillips.com
+41 22 317 81 81
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Watches Geneva
tto@phillips.com
+41 22 317 96 63
 

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2025

5 - 12 March 2025