Materiality

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2. Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Reference 26579CE.OO.1225 | A black ceramic perpetual calendar bracelet watch with moon phases, weekly calendar and leap year indication, Circa 2019.

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Reference 26579CE.OO.1225 | A black ceramic perpetual calendar bracelet watch with moon phases, weekly calendar and leap year indication, Circa 2019

Standard VAT applies to hammer price and buyer's premium

Lot closes

22:48:43

•

July 10, 01:02 PM GMT

Estimate

150,000 - 250,000 USD

Current Bid

150,000 USD

1 Bid

Reserve met

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Lot Details

Description

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Reference 26579CE.OO.1225

A black ceramic perpetual calendar bracelet watch with moon phases, weekly calendar and leap year indication, Circa 2019

Dial: grey

Calibre: cal. 5134 automatic, 38 jewels

Case: black ceramic, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screws

Closure: black ceramic Audemars Piguet bracelet and double folding clasp

Size: 41 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 165 mm

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Audemars Piguet Archive Certificate of Authenticity

When Audemars Piguet first created the Royal Oak, one of the most significant challenges they encountered was case finishing. The sharp corners and bevelled edges of Gerald Genta’s original iconic design were, in fact, so difficult to execute and finish in stainless steel, that the prototypes exhibited at the 1972 Basel Fair were actually made out of the much softer white gold. Fast forward 45 years, and Audemars Piguet once again tasked themselves with another major step up: to achieve the same level of finishing in ceramic.

Ceramic is, at the same time, both notoriously hard to work with, but almost ideally suited as a case material for watches. Due to its extreme scratch resistance, a ceramic watch can appear almost brand new even after years of daily wear. However, this also means that sculpting and applying different finishes to the watch case during the manufacturing process is extremely challenging. It is for this reason that most luxury brand ceramic watch cases are fully matte finished. This wouldn’t do for AP.

Instead, after years of research and development, they released the present Royal Oak model, which not only housed their landmark Perpetual Calendar movement, but was also cased fully in ceramic with matching bracelet, and finished to the same standard as their stainless steel offerings. This level of workmanship in ceramic was totally unprecedented when unveiled, and even today to finish ceramic until it glistens just like any precious metal is an immense feat and really must be seen to be appreciated. Since its release, the black ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar has become one of the most sought after watches of the contemporary Audemars Piguet catalogue, and makes for the perfect way to combine craftsmanship, iconic design and everyday wearability.

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."