Audemars Piguet - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2023 Hong Kong Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 26168SR.OO.1220SR.02
    Movement No: 714’377
    Case No: C30’296, No. 103
    Model Name: Royal Oak, Pride of China
    Material: Stainless steel and 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3123/3909, 40 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet service invoice, instruction manual, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece’s date of register on 28th October 2008.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - 2023 marks the year Mr François-Henry Bennahmias leaves Audemars Piguet. Ever since his appointment as CEO, the firm has enjoyed an era of unprecedented growth and unparallel commercial success. The legend was responsible for countless high-profile moves, including the launch of exciting collaborations and exclusive limited editions like the present ref. 26168SR.OO.1220SR.02.

    - Created for a nation where the Genta-design is highly coveted, the Royal Oak “Pride of China” is a 500-piece limited edition in stainless steel and pink gold, notably encrusted with The Great Wall of China on the caseback. While 250 examples are fitted with black dials, the other 250 pieces are graced with opaline white dials, as per the present timepiece. Released in 2008, the “Pride of China” is second in line in the “Pride” series, with Russia (2005) in front, followed by Mexico (2010), Argentina (2010), Thailand (2013), Indonesia (2015), Siam (2015) and most recently, Germany (2019).

    - The indications on the dial are displayed in a pleasant asymmetric layout, featuring the power reserve between 1 and 2 o’clock, the date at six and the moon phases at ten. The signature Tapisserie center is surrounded by a grained chapter ring, highlighting the applied pink gold lume-filled hour markers and the AP logo at 12 o’clock. Celebrated for their attention to detail, Audemars Piguet substituted the lucky number “8” into the indexes as a nod to Chinese culture. In Mandarin, the number “八” (pronounced “ba”) is considered the luckiest of numbers as it sounds very similar to “發” (pronounced “fa”), which ultimately means wealth and prosperity.

    - Offered in excellent overall condition, the present two-tone Royal Oak “Pride of China” is not just an exquisite, rare, practical timepiece, but can also be worn as a talisman that brings its wearer good luck and fortune.

  • 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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8039

Ref. 26168SR.OO.1220SR.02
A fine and attractive limited edition stainless steel and pink gold wristwatch with moon phases, date, power reserve indication, bracelet and presentation box, numbered 103 of a limited edition of 250 pieces, made for the Chinese market

2008
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$95,000 - 155,000 
€11,400-18,600
$12,200-19,900

Sold for HK$190,500

Contact Specialist

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

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2023

28 March - 4 April 2023