Audemars Piguet - The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN New York Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 25820SP
    Case No: No. 0346, F77716
    Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
    Material: Stainless steel and platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2120, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel and platinum Audemars Piguet link bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel AP deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Guarantee dated October 11, 2007, and stamped AP Diffusion SA, Geneva, fitted wooden winding box, setting pin, product literature, additional leather travel case and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When launched in 1972, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak was the world’s first stainless steel luxury sports watch with a fully integrated bracelet. Designed overnight in response to an urgent request for an ‘unprecedented steel watch’, it was at the same time the most expensive stainless-steel timepiece ever produced. The brand sought famed designer Gerald Genta, who developed a brilliantly engineered, monobloc case, with a distinctively maritime feel, featuring an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal, white gold screws, and a dial with tapisserie motif. Today as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Royal Oak is a legend, accounting for over 70% of the brand’s sales. The model evolved from the classic time only and date reference 5402ST to a global phenomenon produced in all metals, and a multitude of complications from minute repeating models, to the first perpetual calendar reference in 1982.

    In 1996, Audemars Piguet released the reference 25820, which remained in production until 2013, and was produced in 1235 examples: 628 pieces in steel, 107 pieces in yellow gold, 74 pieces in platinum, 11 in pink gold, 378 in steel and platinum like the present watch, 15 in tantalum and yellow gold, 9 in tantalum and platinum, and 13 in tantalum and pink gold.
    The present example, in stainless steel with polished platinum bezel and center bracelet links, is an attractive perpetual calendar with 39mm diameter case and combines the classic design of the Royal Oak with the highly desirable caliber 2120/2802 – amongst the slimmest perpetual calendar movements ever made. The watch is well-preserved and complete with its original boxes, papers, and guarantee. Fitted with a black tapisserie dial with silver sub-dials, it is the identical model and configuration as often found on the wrist of Giulio Papi, co-founder of complications specialist, Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi (APRP).

    Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most iconic timepieces produced, and the now discontinued reference 25820SP is a classic rendition of this modern masterpiece with a timeless aesthetic. One of only 378 timepieces made in steel and platinum, the present lot offers a rare opportunity for savvy collectors to own a timepiece with a remarkable history that reaches back 50 years.

  • 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. 25820SP
A rare and attractive stainless steel and platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with black dial, moon phase, bracelet, certificate of authenticity, and winding presentation box

Circa 2007
39mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF76,000-152,000
€77,400-155,000
HK$626,000-1,250,000
S$110,000-220,000

Sold for $94,500

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

Isabella Proia

Head of Sale, New York

+1 (212) 940 1285

iproia@phillips.com

 

The New York Watch Auction: SEVEN

New York Auction 10 - 11 December 2022