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A udemars Piguet has long been a symbol of innovation and luxury within the watchmaking industry. Introduced in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line pioneered the modern notion of a high-end sports watch. Among the most prestigious offerings within this collection are those crafted from platinum, incorporating intricate complications and rare designs. This article delves into some of the remarkable platinum references that highlight the Audemars Piguet brand's mastery in craftsmanship and design.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 25636PT was sold in May 2022 for 378,000 CHF. This AP Royal Oak stood out as one of the most celebrated pieces in the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection. Introduced in 1996, this watch combined the complexities of a perpetual calendar with the elegance of a skeletonized dial. Housed in a 39mm platinum case, the skeletonized dial reveals the intricate workings beneath, while the blue subsidiary dials and outer track offer a striking contrast. This design ensured both aesthetic appeal and legibility, a rare balance in such a complex watch.
Only 34 pieces of this reference were ever made in platinum, marking it as a collector's dream. Equipped with the Audemars Piguet in-house Calibre 2120/4, this piece also held historical significance due to its connection with the brand’s first perpetual calendar model released in 1983, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 5554. The inclusion of the original signature on the dial added to its nostalgic appeal, and its rarity made any appearance at auction a significant event in the horological world.
This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 25820PT was sold in May 2022 for 365,400 CHF. Introduced in 1998, the Audemars Piguet watch presented a sophisticated blend of form and function. This particular example was crafted in 2010 and showcased the leap-year indication and moon phases within a beautiful platinum case. One of the distinguishing features of this piece was its salmon dial, a rare and highly sought-after choice in the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection. The soft hue of the dial contrasts beautifully with the robust platinum case, giving the watch a unique and refined presence.
The Audemars Piguet Reference 25820PT was produced in limited numbers, making it a coveted piece among collectors. Its automatic Calibre 2120/4 movement ensured that the watch maintained its perpetual calendar functionality with precision. Its rarity and striking design made it a highly prized AP Royal Oak example.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 14802PT was sold in November 2021 for 327,600 CHF. Introduced in a limited edition platinum version in 1996, this Audemars Piguet watch featured a 39mm platinum case and bracelet. This particular piece was distinctive for its tropical dial, which evolved a rich patina over time. The tropical dial was a hallmark of this reference, lending each example a unique appearance that set it apart from other models.
Limited in production, this AP Royal Oak reference served as a tribute to the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo model while offering the added allure of its rare platinum case. Powered by the automatic Calibre 2121/3, the watch included a sapphire crystal display back that beautifully revealed the decorated movement. This model's combination of rarity, platinum construction, and tropical dial made it a sought-after piece for serious collectors.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Reference 25636PT was sold in May 2024 for 304,800 CHF. It was yet another platinum masterpiece within the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar collection. Known for its openworked dial, this AP Royal Oak model allowed collectors to admire the intricate workings of the perpetual calendar complication. Set within a 39mm platinum case, the skeletonized dial revealed not only the technical prowess of Audemars Piguet but also the artistic beauty of watchmaking.
Produced in extremely limited numbers, the platinum version of this reference became a collector’s favorite. The blue accents on the dial included the indicators for the day, date, month, and moon phase to provide a perfect contrast to the skeletonized components. The watch was not only functional but also visually stunning. As with other Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendars, its rarity and complexity solidified its status as a coveted piece among enthusiasts.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Reference 26511PT was sold in October 2018 for 2,375,000 HKD. In 2012, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch collection, Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Tourbillon Reference 26511PT. This limited edition watch featured a skeletonized tourbillon within a platinum case as a celebration of both the history of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the brand's mastery of high complications. Powered by the hand-wound Calibre 2924, this piece showcased a tourbillon mechanism that was both technically advanced and visually captivating.
Limited to just 40 pieces, the AP Royal Oak line became an instant collector's item. Its ultra-thin case, measuring only 4.46mm thick, housed a highly decorated movement that could be admired through the skeletonized dial. The platinum bracelet and folding clasp further emphasized the luxury and exclusivity of the watch. This model was a fitting tribute to both the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the brand’s tradition of horological excellence.
The platinum Audemars Piguet Royal Oak models discussed in this article represented the pinnacle of the Audemars Piguet brand’s craftsmanship and design. Each reference, from the skeletonized perpetual calendars to the commemorative tourbillon, reflected the brand’s ability to merge technical complexity with aesthetic beauty. Their limited production and rare materials made them highly coveted pieces in the world of horology. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these watches serve as a testament to the Audemars Piguet brand’s enduring legacy in luxury watchmaking.
Sotheby's is on hand to support with your next Audemars Piguet watch purchase or sale of an existing watch. We have an extensive offering of carefully curated Audemars Piguet watches, covering everything from luxury AP Royal Oak watches for regular use, through to the rarest and most complex Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon watch examples.
Trust our worldwide network of Audemars Piguet specialists from a globally renowned auction house with a 280 year history.
