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T he Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection has long been emblematic of innovation and design, setting the benchmark in the interpretations of sports watches from the world of haute horlogerie. Among the most prestigious Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches are the tourbillion creations crafted by the maison. Such examples masterfully blend casual, sports watch aesthetics with all of the mechanical prowess that high watchmaking brings. Here, we explore five standout examples from the Sotheby’s archive.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Reference 25980AI.OO.D003SU.01 sold in June 2024 for 156,000 USD. The model was introduced in 2002 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Designed as a futuristic vision of the brand’s direction, the Royal Oak Concept watch was produced in a limited edition of just 150 pieces. This particular reference was crafted with a 44mm case made of Alacrite 602, a specialized alloy renowned for its durability and typically used in aerospace and medical applications.
The movement inside this watch, the caliber 2896, was developed by Renaud & Papi. It featured a tourbillon escapement that was visible on the semi-skeletonized dial and included several additional complications, such as a power reserve indicator and a function selector display. The unique materials and innovative design elements made this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept a significant collector's piece, with a technical sophistication that was as impressive as its rarity.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 sold in June 2024 for 228,000 USD. Released in 2022 as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, this watch was crafted in 18k pink gold and featured a smoked blue Grande Tapisserie dial. Beneath was the caliber 2950, a self-winding movement equipped with a flying tourbillon that showcased Audemars Piguet's expertise in haute horlogerie.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this particular piece was its provenance. This watch was consigned directly by renowned actor Sylvester Stallone, adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to its already remarkable pedigree. The combination of its connection to a major celebrity, its stunning design, and the significance of being part of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch's 50th anniversary made this timepiece hotly contested among collectors.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26522CE.OO.1225CE.01 sold in December 2023 for 241,300 USD. Released in 2019, it was the brand’s third all-black ceramic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model. Ceramic's rise in popularity could be attributed to its lightweight nature and increased resistance to scratches, and Audemars Piguet utilized a ceramic blend of zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide to craft this watch. The complex manufacturing process limited production, adding to the value and exclusivity of these Audemars Piguet watches.
Housed in a 41mm case, the watch was powered by the manual-winding caliber 2924. The dial featured a unique Tapisserie Evolutive pattern, radiating asymmetrically from the tourbillon at six o'clock. Its remarkable condition and comprehensive set of original accessories, including the warranty card and presentation box, brought significant interest among enthusiasts of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26530ST.OO.1220ST.01 sold in April 2023 for 1,651,000 HKD. It successfully showcased the Audemars Piguet brand's mastery in integrating the flying tourbillon into their timepieces. Initially appearing in the Code 11.59 collection of Audemars Piguet, the flying tourbillon complication presented a stunning view of the mechanism unobstructed by the typical tourbillon bridge. The 41mm stainless steel case of this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak housed a smoked blue dial with a striking Evolutive Tapisserie pattern, enhancing the depth and beauty of the flying tourbillon complication.
The stainless steel bracelet and blue dial paid homage to the original 1972 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, making this watch a modern embodiment of a classic design. The watch's meticulous craftsmanship, evident in the brushed surfaces and polished bevels, further cemented its status as a key reference within the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak catalog.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Reference 26512ST.OO.1220ST.01 sold in May 2022 for 201,600 CHF. Upon introduction, this model was limited to select Audemars Piguet boutiques. It featured a stainless steel case with a black Petite Tapisserie dial, concealing the ultra-thin manual-winding caliber 2924. The tourbillon cage was prominently displayed at six o’clock, adding a focal point to the design.
This reference was one of the few manually wound Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches with a 70-hour power reserve. Its limited availability and excellent condition, accompanied by its original warranty and presentation case, made it a standout piece for collectors seeking a highly rare example of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
While the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is iconized for its time-only models, many highly complicated examples have been crafted by the maison. This is best exemplified by the tourbillion references within the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak catalog, for which Sotheby’s specialists are experts in frequently bringing to market.
At Sotheby’s our Audemars Piguet experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of an Audemars Piguet watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Expect to see prices for Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches start at $25,000 to $30,000 for steel, time-only references. Precious metal and highly complicated Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches range from $40,000 upwards.
Trust our worldwide network of leading Audemars Piguet specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
