Audemars Piguet - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Fall 2023 Hong Kong Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 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

    - Audemars Piguet has a long history of incorporating innovative materials into their timepieces to suit collectors' preferences. One of the most cherished materials is tantalum, admired for its luxurious weight, durability and sleek grey tone.

    - In 1990, Audemars Piguet released the Royal Oak Championship ref. 56175TT as a limited edition of 2,000 pieces to commemorate Sir Nick Faldo's consecutive Masters Tournament and Open Championship victories. Striking due to the nuanced two-tone steel and tantalum case, this model is historically significant as the first Royal Oak to use this metal combination. While earlier models featured tantalum and pink gold, this was the first to combine steel and tantalum.

    - Powered by Audemars Piguet's quartz cal. 2612 movement with a practical date function, this 33mm example offers an elegant, contemporary appeal ideal for daily wear. The "Championship" engraving on the case back immediately identifies this limited reference.

    - Audemars Piguet's mastery of new materials and dedication to honoring legends of sport through dedicated timepieces converge in the Royal Oak Championship. For the discerning collector, this piece represents an opportunity to own a pivotal moment in the prestige watchmaker's history.

  • 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

8032

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

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

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 80,000 
€5,900-9,400
$6,400-10,300

Sold for HK$114,300

Contact Specialist

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

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

21-28 September 2023