Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 14486TR
    Movement No: 330’552
    Case No: C69’428
    Model Name: Royal Oak
    Material: Tantalum and 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2123, 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Tantalum and 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 180mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Tantalum and 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet concealed folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With original hang tag stamped with numbers of the watch. Further delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1991 and its subsequent sale on February 28, 1991 to Hong Kong.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet was the first brand to feature Tantalum in a high luxury watch. Tantalum is a rare, hard and lustrous metal, which exhibits an alluring dark and modish luster. Tantalum is rarely used in watchmaking as it is extremely difficult to work with. Very high temperatures are needed for tantalum to be adapted, and once it has been formed it is highly corrosion-resistant and extremely durable. According to our research, Audemars Piguet pioneered their first tantalum watch at the behest of King Juan Carlos of Spain, who wanted a Royal Oak that has a stealthy tone.

    Aesthetically speaking, the present watch has an alluring appeal which would not be an overstatement to be called one of the most stunning Royal Oak iterations. With a beautiful grey dial, 18K pink gold bezel and accents, the present timepiece impeccably epitomizes the union of unmissable good look and sublime technical expertise. The case back of the present watch is engraved No. 129, suggesting it was the 129th example made in this configuration.

  • 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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968

Ref. 14486TR
A well-preserved and rare tantalum and pink gold wristwatch with sweep center seconds, date, bracelet and original hang tag

1991
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$40,000 - 80,000 
€4,500-9,000
$5,100-10,300

Sold for HK$93,750

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019