Audemars Piguet - The Royal Oak 50th Geneva Friday, May 6, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 25860IS
    Movement No: 485'098
    Case No: E29119
    Model Name: Royal Oak "City of Sails Be Happy"
    Material: Titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 2385, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 170mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Whereas the Royal Oak was born as a leisure/chic steel watch it wasn’t until the 25th anniversary of the model in 1997 that a chronograph complication was added to the catalogue, housing the automatic caliber Calibre 2385.Reference 25860 was in production until 2012.

    As a commemoration of the first Swiss challenger to the America's Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, Audemars Piguet launched a limited edition Royal Oak City of Sails, Be Happy edition in 1999.The chronograph is limited to 300 pieces and is constructed of titanium, a sturdy but difficult to work with metal that is light and easy to wear. The dial has a clear and unique flair, displaying a deep blue tapisserie background, reminiscent of the blue oceanic tones and light blue skies. Furthermore, the dial also showcases yellow splashes of color for the hour, minutes and chrono hands reminiscing of those sunny summer days. The date aperture is interestingly placed between 4 and 5 o’clock. The rear of the case is inscribed with the phrase "City of Sails," a nickname for Auckland, New Zealand, which is recognized for its maritime heritage. The lightness and sturdiness of the case and bracelet enable the timepiece to deliver a comfortable and unique feel to the wrist.

  • 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. 25860IS
A fine and rare titanium chronograph wristwatch with date, bracelet and certificate, part of a 300 pieces limited edition

2000
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€29,500-58,900
$31,900-63,700

Sold for CHF88,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi

Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com

 

Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Head of Sale, Specialist
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

The Royal Oak 50th

Geneva Auction 6 May 2022