Exclusive Timepieces 20 –⁠ 21 April 2024 | Monaco

Auction Details

Auction sessions:

  • Session I – Saturday, 20 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 1 to 101
  • Session II – Sunday, 21 April, 10:30 AM – Lots 102 to 178
  • Session III – Sunday, 21 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 179 to 278

32 Audemars Piguet Very Rare and Attractive, Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With “Yves Klein” Blue Dial, With Extract From the Archives, Reference 25820ST

Estimate: € 70,000 –⁠ 140,000

Sold € 110,500

Model: Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel "Yves Klein"
Reference: 25820ST
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 2000
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2120/2802
Case N°: N°151, E-33617
Movement N°: 424985
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar seamlessly merges two of Audemars Piguet’s enduring icons — the Royal Oak model and the perpetual calendar complication. Introduced in 1996, the reference 25 820 became a pinnacle of horological achievement, boasting the intricate leap year indicator alongside the perpetual calendar. This particular reference, produced until 2013, exemplifies exclusivity with a total production count of 1 235 examples. The variants include steel, yellow-gold, platinum, pink-gold, steel/platinum, tantalum/yellow-gold, tantalum/platinum, and tantalum/pink gold. Each variant represents a blend of rarity and sophistication, adding a layer of distinction to this remarkable timepiece. Audemars Piguet’s legacy in crafting complicated watches of the highest caliber is well manifested in this creation. The movement, the exceptional caliber 2120, holds the title of being the world’s thinnest automatic movement with a full rotor at the time. This dedication to precision and innovation has long been synonymous with the brand. Accentuating the allure of the present watch is the striking “sapphire blue” dial, affectionately known as the “Yves Klein” within the horological community. A homage to the renowned French artist, Yves Klein, celebrated for his vibrant blue monochrome artworks, the dial mesmerizes with its vivid hue. Although the watch was born with the standard grey dial, the Yves Klein one was added by Audemars Piguet as a special request of an important client. The iconic, symmetrical layout of the four subdials with white text and the small tapisserie background, a trademark of Audemars Piguet, adds depth and dimensionality to the design. Encased in a meticulously crafted steel case, the watch stands as a testament to both engineering precision and aesthetic elegance. This particular piece, preserved in excellent condition, is poised to meet the discerning tastes of even the most demanding Royal Oak collectors. An embodiment of Audemars Piguet’s commitment to excellence, this Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is a rare and cherished piece of horological artistry.