162 Audemars Piguet Limited Edition to 25 Pieces, Iconic, Royal Oak, Quantieme Perpetual, Skeleton Dial, in Platinum and Pink-gold, Reference 25636rp, With Box, Service and Extract from the Archives

Estimate: €200,000 –⁠ 400,000

Model: Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel
Reference: 25636RP
Case Material: Platinum and Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Platinum and Pink Gold
Year: 1995
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2120/2800
Case N°: N°10/25 D41935
Movement N°: 391 007
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives, Box and Service

Nowadays, for most people passionate about watchmaking the Big Three can be immediately associated to one specific model: Rolex with the Daytona, Patek Philipe with the Nautilus and Audemars Piguet? Of course, the Royal Oak! Despite a slow start for the first decades of its life, this model has seen its reputation changing and the watch collecting community collectively took conscience of both the importance and the scarcity of the iconic Royal Oak, and its variants. Most notably, perpetual calendars Royal Oak timepieces have soared to the top of the collector’s wish lists, and for good reason. It was unveiled to the public in 1984 and represented the union of the two most revolutionary watchmaking acts of Audemars Piguet—the iconoclastic Royal Oak and the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar movement, the 2120/2800. In 1986, the ref. 25636 with a beautiful skeleton dial was launched: all in, there were 264 examples of this watch made. 126 in yellow-gold, 52 in stainless steel, 49 in two tones, 34 in platinum and three in rose gold. Two-tone watches include a steel watch with a platinum bezel and platinum middle links and a rose-gold watch with a platinum bezel and platinum middle links, such as the present specimen. Undeniably, one of the most impressive iterations of the perpetual calendar Royal Oak, the present watch features a skeletonized dial—one of the most sought after and attractive dials, allowing the beholder to admire the intricacy of the under-the-dial gears which drive the perpetual calendar—and an incredibly charming two tones, platinum and pink-gold case and bracelet. Bearing the number 10 of a limited and special edition of only 25 pieces, this is one of only three other examples appeared on the auction market in recent years and an absurd rarity for collectors.