73 Audemars Piguet Extremely Rare and Precious, Royal Oak, Wristwatch in Platinum and Diamonds, With Ruby Baguette-set Bezel, Pavè Diamond-set Dial and Rubies Indexes, Reference 14916PT, Retailed by Asprey

Estimate: € 50,000 –⁠ 100,000

Sold € 70,200

Model: Royal Oak
Reference: 14916PT.RR.D059XX.01
Case Material: Platinum and Diamonds
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1994
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 2225
Case N°: N° 12, D42844
Movement N°: 400609
Dimensions: 37 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

Launched at Baselworld in 1972, the Royal Oak represented a real novelty in the Audemars universe as it was the brand’s first true sporting pride. The origin of the name has distant roots, namely from the tree under which King Charles of England was hidden to save his life, which was called Royal Oak. The present example is a beautiful automatic, mid-size model with a fully platinum case with round-cut diamonds on the lugs in excellent condition and the classic octagonal Royal Oak shape but different from many others in some easily distinguishable details: the fixed bezel is composed of 32 baguette shape of rubies that matches perfectly the rubies set indexes on the dial. A sapphire crystal protects the splendid pave diamond-set decoration dial with black baton hands while a date window opens at 3 o’clock and the AP logo at 12. These so precious watches are the emblem of the importance with which the Asprey boutique over the years has always distinguished their resale of unique and exclusive pieces such as the lot present here. This company was founded in 1781 by William Asprey, and was originally based in the suburbs of London until the company moved into its current New Bond Street shop. From its central London location, Asprey immediately improved its sale and advertised ’articles of exclusive design and high quality’ to the point of signing some of the most important watches such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet. There are not many of these available on the market today, so this would make an excellent addition to any collection.