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

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1989
    Reference No: 25654BA
    Movement No: 294'336
    Case No: C61387.606
    Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 2120/2800, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity and Extract de Registre confirming the sale of the present watch on January 15, 1989, and additional pouch. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 25654 replaced the first Royal Oak Perpetual calendar reference 25554 in 1987 and was produced until 1998 in 315 pieces in steel, 430 pieces in yellow gold, 68 pieces in steel and yellow gold and 38 in platinum. It differs from its sibling for a slightly thicker case thickness (8.25mm vs the 7.5mm of ref. 25554) meant to improve its water resistance capabilities.

    While many materials and metals have been employed for the construction of watches - from the most mundane as base metal or plastic, to the most exotic such as forged carbon, titanium, ceramic and so forth - there is no denying that no material communicates power, luxury and gravitas as unmistakably as yellow gold. Such a conclusion is apparent when admiring the present timepiece.

    Fully constructed out of 18K gold, and with a champagne dial to boost, this example of ref. 25654BA is undeniably a statement piece like few others. It is furthermore offered in exceptional condition, with all its edges and bevels sharp and well defined.

    The hint of oxidation present on the case on the one hand amplifies the warm glow of the luxurious metal, on the other hand testifies how little the watch has been used.

    The piece was last serviced in 2016, on which occasion it received the accompanying Certificat d’Authenticité et d’Exclusivité and it has obviously been hardly used ever since.

  • 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.

    View More Works

7

Ref. 25654BA
A very rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with champagne dial and bracelet

1989
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€68,800-138,000
$74,300-149,000

Sold for CHF176,400

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