Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 2004
    Reference No: 25980AI.OO.D003SU.01
    Movement No: 543’705
    Case No: E88190
    Model Name: Royal Oak Concept Watch (CW1)
    Material: Titanium and alacrite
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 2896, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 44mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Audemars Piguet warranty stamped Prince Jewellery & Watch Co. and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet released to the public their first ever Royal Oak Concept Watch in 2002. With a vision to create a wristwatch for the future with innovative technology that can enhance the research and development into their main line, the CW1 was just the start. Designed initially by Gerald Genta in 1972 of the first luxury sports wristwatch in stainless steel with a fully integrated bracelet, the CW1 is perhaps the furthest from its forefather, however still retaining its iconic case and bezel design with a slight twist.

    Encased in an Alacrite 602 case, the CW1 already sounds futuristic with an alloy consisting of cobalt chrome, tungsten, carbon, silicon and iron, originally developed for the aerospace industry. The alloy was only used in the first Royal Oak Concept Watch and has never been used again in their later models or any watch manufactured by any other brand. Whilst maintaining much inspiration from the original Royal Oak, the CW1 case is modified to an extent featuring a curved bezel with naked screws to succumb the domed crystal whilst still retaining its sharp case edges and bevels. Developed by Renaud & Papi, the movement is constructed with titanium plates and bridges and features a tourbillon escapement positioned to the left displayed through a semi-skeletonized dial. Focusing on the dial side, a dynmographe scale at 12 O’clock represent the quality of torque on the mainspring, a linear power reserve indication on the right side and small seconds with crown position indication located on the bottom. Activated by a pusher positioned at 4 O’clock, it enables the function of the crown via R (Remontoir), N (Neutral) and H (Hand-setting).

    Extremely remarkable and marking a new era for Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak Concept Watches continues to thrive today with new innovative approaches carried on to their main line of Royal Oak wristwatches. The present example belongs to the very first Concept Watch released by the firm and it will always remain unique due to its standout case made of Alacrite 602 and remains as the only wristwatch encased in the material.

  • 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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Σ930

Ref. 25980AI.OO.D003SU.01
A rare, fine and oversized limited edition titanium and alacrite semi-skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with dynamographe, power reserve indication, function selector, warranty and presentation box

Circa 2004
44mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,560,000 
€99,400-199,000
$100,000-200,000

Sold for HK$1,323,000

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