Audemars Piguet

• cal. 2896 manual winding movement with one minute tourbillon, 36 jewels • semi-skeletonised dial, outer minute track, luminescent hands, aperture revealing tourbillon carriage, subsidiary seconds combined with crown function selector indication, torque indicating dynamographe, vertical power reserve indication • oversized alacrite and titanium Royal Oak Concept case, octagonal bezel secured by eight screws, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with a stainless steel Audemars Piguet folding clasp

Movement working at the time of cataloguing. Other functions operational. The dial and hands in very good condition. The case is in good condition with some light scuffs, the edges still in good condition. The bezel is heavily scuffed. The watch had not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Accompanied by an Audemars Piguet presentation case, certificate of origin and guarantee.  To celebrate the 30^th anniversary of their most iconic wristwatch, Audemars Piguet presented at the 2002 SIHH the Royal Oak Concept Watch 1 (CW1).

The watch was produced in a limited edition of 150 pieces and it took three years to complete all of them.

The styling of the watch alludes to its roots in the Royal Oak line of watches, particularly with the octagonal bezel and faceted hooded lugs.

The case is made of Alacrite 602, an extremely durable cobalt-based alloy. The CW1 is the only model of Audemars Piguet to have used this material, most probably as it was extremely difficult to machine it. The production time of each case was about 30 times longer than a standard stainless steel piece. The radical style of the case, measuring an impressive 44 x 50 mm, is perfectly complimented by the titanium bezel, the Kevlar strap and specially designed folding clasp. Nonetheless, the watch is extremely comfortable on the wrist thanks to its curved back and its light weight of only 150 grams.

The intricate cal. 2896 movement was developed by Renaud & Papi and was not based on an existing ébauche. It is characterized by the titanium structure and the shock-absorption design for the tourbillon cage.

The eye-catching dial has different levels giving it an impression of depth. At 12 o’clock, the Dynamographe indicates the quality of the mainspring torque. The linear power reserve indicator is located at 3 o’clock and is calibrated in barrel turns (approximatively 6h for one barrel turn). At 6 o’clock is the highly unusual function selector display that is set by the screw-down crown at 4.

The functions are:
- R for Remontoir (winding position)
- N for Neutre (neutral)
- H for Heures (time setting)

Finally, the tourbillon is visible through the aperture at 9 o’clock.

Thanks to its strong and unique identity, characteristics and historical importance, the Royal Oak Concept Watch 1 is a trophy piece for any Audemars Piguet collector.