Audemars Piguet - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1986
    Reference No: 25402 SA
    Movement No: 274'803
    Case No: C 57'610 N°1
    Model Name: Royal Oak
    Material: Stainless steel and yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet reference 344 SA, max length 185mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box with outer packaging and original invoice dated January 6th, 1989

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched during 1972’s Basel fair, the Royal Oak was soon to become one of the most iconic watch designs of the century. Created under the talented pen of the great Gérald Genta, this watch shook up the watch industry by introducing the most expensive stainless steel watch ever, transforming the concept of a luxury watch. So ground-breaking was its concept, AP’s competitors thought the watch would bankrupt the company. Instead, it was a smashing success, and today accounts for the majority of the brand’s sales. The present watch is a very rare example of the two-tone reference 25402, launched in 1985. Since the earliest “A-series” reference 5402, the Royal Oak has seen many variations. Produced not only in stainless steel, but also in a variety of materials including full gold, platinum, tantalum, and often embellished with precious stones, the versatility of the Royal Oak helped make it a model adored by the brand’s elite clientele. Bearing the coveted “N°1” on its case back, the present watch served faithfully as an ambassador for Audemars Piguet. Never intended to be sold to the public, the watch accompanied AP’s sales executives during their product line presentations to retailers around the world. Fitted in their presentation cases alongside other pristine models, this watch allowed professionals to examine or discover watches “in the metal” that might later become their best sellers. From the executive’s suitcase to the present owner, this watch has been lovingly kept in a safe until today. It is now presented for auction, fresh to the market and in virtually unworn condition. A rare occasion to acquire an untouched, fascinating example of the iconic Royal Oak.

  • 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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101

Ref. 25402 SA
A highly attractive and beautifully preserved stainless steel and yellow gold wristwatch with date and bracelet

1986
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF7,000 - 10,000 
€6,400-9,200
$7,200-10,300

Sold for CHF40,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016