Audemars Piguet - Hong Kong: Watches Online Auction I Hong Kong Thursday, July 21, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1990s
    Reference No: 56175TT
    Case No: D65’753, No. 1380
    Model Name: Royal Oak Championship
    Material: Tantalum and stainless steel
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 2612, 8 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and tantalum Audemars Piguet bracelet stamped Gay Freres, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 33mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    With superior expertise in innovating new materials to be incorporated into timepieces, Audemars Piguet has excelled over the decades offering collectors a wide variety of case materials to suit their personal preferences. One of the most cherished materials that the firm has incorporated was the use of tantalum which is still admired by most collectors today due to its luxurious heft, robustness and its sleek greyish appeal.

    Immediately recognisable by the “Championship” engraving to the back, the Royal Oak Championship ref. 56175TT was issued as a limited edition of 2,000 pieces in 1990 to commemorate Sir Nick Faldo’s back-to-back Masters and British Open victories. While extremely attractive thanks to the subtle shift in nuances granted by the two-tone steel and tantalum case, the model is notable from a historical point of view as it is the first example of this metal combination on a Royal Oak. Earlier watches in tantalum and pink gold are known, but this is the first appearance of the steel/tantalum combination. Powered by the firm’s quartz cal. 2612, it is equipped with a practical date function. The present example cased in 33mm offers a chic appeal for collectors seeking for an elegantly sized timepiece for daily wear.

  • 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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Ref. 56175TT
A fine and attractive limited edition tantalum and stainless steel wristwatch with date, grey dial and bracelet, a limited edition of 2000 pieces

Circa 1990s
33mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 80,000 
€6,200-9,900
$6,400-10,300

Sold for HK$151,200

Contact Specialist

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

Hong Kong: Watches Online Auction I

21-27 July 2022 (Registration ends 6pm HKT 26 July)