Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1996
    Reference No: 14790TR.OO.0789TR.01
    Movement No: 426'600
    Case No: D63049, No.278
    Model Name: Royal Oak
    Material: Tantalum and 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2225, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Tantalum and 18K pink gold Audmears Piguet bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming the register date of the present timepiece on 13th June 1996.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet was one of the very first brands to use Tantalum in its line of production. Rarely used in watchmaking, tantalum is a heavy, hard and lustrous metal which exhibits an alluring dark and modish luster. 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 with 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. 278, suggesting it was the 278th example made in this configuration. No longer in production, the present ref. 14790TR dated to 1996 confirmed by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives is offered in excellent condition. Perfect for the distinguished collector seeking for a classic icon with a different shade of metal.

  • 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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849

Ref. 14790TR.OO.0789TR.01
A rare and attractive two-tone tantalum and pink gold wristwatch with center seconds, date and bracelet

Circa 1996
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€12,700-25,500
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$252,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022