Audemars Piguet, Quantieme Perpetuel, 1988, 25659BA, Yellow gold and Diamonds

An absolutely extraordinary and visually breathtaking creation, this Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar stands among the rarest and most precious watches ever produced by Audemars Piguet. Introduced in 1988 at the Basel Watch Fair as a special-order prototype, it represents a landmark moment in the evolution of the Royal Oak lineage, uniting the model’s unmistakable design with an unprecedented level of gem-set opulence. Notably, it was the first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ever to be fully adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, elevating an already iconic reference into the realm of exceptional haute joaillerie horology.

Astonishing both in beauty and rarity, the present watch belongs to an extremely limited production confirmed by the manufacturer: only three examples were ever made in yellow gold. Such infinitesimal production places the model among the most elusive Royal Oak perpetual calendars known, with one of the three examples having appeared publicly at auction as recently as May 2022 in Philips Geneve in honor of the 50th Royal Oak Anniversary sale, and sold for a total of CHF 630.000 —further underscoring the rarity of opportunities to encounter this reference on the market.

Preserved in perfect and fully original condition, the present specimen offers outstanding integrity, a factor of paramount importance for collectors at the highest level. The harmonious interplay between the Royal Oak’s architectural case design, the technical sophistication of its perpetual calendar complication, and the brilliance of its diamond setting results in a watch of exceptional presence and historical importance.

Key Features
• Special Order Prototype | Introduced 1988
• Yellow gold case fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds
• Perpetual calendar skeleton complication
• One of only three examples ever produced

A masterpiece of rarity, prestige, and mechanical refinement, this extraordinary Royal Oak represents an immensely important opportunity for the discerning collector to acquire one of the most precious and visually striking interpretations of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic and celebrated model.