Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 2018
    Reference No: 26518OR.OO.1220OR.01
    Movement No: 973’643
    Case No: J50396
    Model Name: Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openworked
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 2924, 26 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet warranty card stamped by retailer Pro Hope Time Watch Co Ltd Taiwan dated 2nd November 2018, instruction manual, product literature, timepiece life & care booklet, key, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Enigmatic in design, iconic for its important heritage to the firm and widely regarded as the quintessential luxury sports wristwatch, the Royal Oak is with no doubt one of the most important line of wristwatches ever produced by any manufacture. Over the decades, the octagonal-shaped legend has evolved featuring various complications showcasing the horological ingenuity of Audemars Piguet.

    First introduced by the firm in 2012, Audemars Piguet released their first Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openworked model in platinum to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak featuring the firm’s manual cal. 2924 with its tourbillon escapement featured at the 6 o’clock position and its mainspring visible at 12 o’clock. Limited to 40 pieces in platinum, the firm also released a yellow gold version limited to 25 pieces. Upgraded with new dimensions and catering to contemporary demands, the reference features a larger 41mm diameter case compared to other extra-thin openworked Royal Oak models from the past measuring 39mm in diameter. While the art of openwork timepieces has traditionally been about two major things including the degree of transparency achieved and at the same time preserving the structural integrity of the timepiece, Audemars Piguet has achieved just that with their Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openwork models. Opting for a vertical architecture of the movement, it allows to compensate for a rather pronounced area of negative space to the left side of the dial allowing the wearer to admire the intricate skeletonization of the timepiece whilst allowing light to shine through the small openings.

    With the successful inception of the previous limited edition models in platinum and yellow gold, the firm released two examples of the model in stainless steel and pink gold, limited to 100 pieces in stainless steel and 50 examples in pink gold, bringing the total production of the reference to 215 examples across all four metals.

    The present example Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Openworked in pink gold is perhaps one of the most handsome examples out of the four metals, as many collectors do believe that pink gold Royal Oak timepieces are among some of the most attractive due to the unique sheen of the pink gold case. Offered in excellent overall condition, the present example from circa 2018 is further complete with its full set of accessories.

  • 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

806

Ref. 26518OR.OO.1220OR.01
An extremely fine, attractive and rare limited edition pink gold skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch with bracelet, warranty and presentation box, one of a limited edition of 50 pieces

Circa 2018
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$620,000 - 1,250,000 
€72,400-146,000
$79,500-160,000

Sold for HK$2,095,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023