In 1997, it had become clear that the Royal Oak, despite misgivings at the outset, had become a true classic of modern watchmaking and a cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s horological offerings. A 25th anniversary commemorative Royal Oak Automatic Tourbillon was released, bearing the exceptional caliber 2875, and offered in a few selected case metals.

Beyond its absolute rarity, the movement itself is a remarkable feat of engineering, and it remained for a long time the only automatic tourbillon movement to be found in a Royal Oak. In order to achieve this combination within an ultra-thin design, a number of technical solutions were developed, such as the use of a bumper rotor: the one-minute tourbillon cage would impede the full revolution of a normal rotor. Another interesting feature is the winding crown’s placement on the caseback, which allows the absolute balance and symmetry of the dial to continue to the case as well.

Turn the watch over and through the sapphire caseback, one can see true watchmaking artistry: an elaborately engraved and openworked mainplate, with floral and leaf scroll motifs and the Audemars Piguet logo cleverly rendered seamlessly into the design. The same design frames the outer portion of the skeletonized dial and is visible through the tourbillon cage.

Utterly rare, these hardly ever seen Royal Oak Automatic Tourbillons approach the summit of Royal Oak collecting. Being sold to benefit The One Drop Foundation, a non-profit striving to provide safe drinking water to vulnerable communities, the present lot is exceptionally well-preserved and is complete with its original guarantee, presentation boxes, and hang tag.

Consigned by the Original Owner