The Top 5 Most Expensive Audemars Piguet Watches Sold at Sotheby's in the First Half of 2024

A udemars Piguet remains a popular choice for collectors in 2024, with Sotheby's Audemars Piguet watch experts bringing a wide range of examples to market. In part the appeal is Audemars Piguet, or AP as commonly abbreviated, taking their iconic watches like the Royal Oak and incorporating a range of extraordinary complications and advanced design techniques. In this guide we recap the top 5 most expensive Audemars Piguet watches sold by Sotheby's in the first half of 2024.

1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Reference 25636PT Circa 1990, 304,800 CHF

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked Reference 25636PT was sold for 304,800 CHF in May 2024. This model stood out as one of the most collectible models of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar series. It featured a skeletonized dial revealing the intricate workings beneath, while blue subsidiary dials and an outer track enhanced its visual appeal. Encased in platinum with a sapphire crystal display back, this Audemars Piguet watch was limited to only platinum 34 pieces, making it exceptionally rare. The combination of luxury and functionality, along with the original Audemars Piguet signature, added to its allure. It was a true collector’s piece that embodied the finest qualities of the AP Royal Oak series.

The rarity of is example was further emphasized by its limited production in various metal combinations. Among the 264 examples made, only a handful were crafted in platinum. The skeletonized dial and the perpetual calendar movement, housed in a platinum case, marked a significant departure from the conventional AP Royal Oak designs by merging sporty aesthetics with high-end complications. This timepiece is a testament to Audemars Piguet's mastery in creating timeless pieces.

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 Circa 2022, 228,000 USD

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 26730OR.OO.1320OR.01 was sold for 228,000 USD in June 2024. Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the above model featured a self-winding flying tourbillon. The 41mm pink gold case contrasted beautifully with the smoked blue dial, adorned with a Grande Tapisserie pattern. The movement included a special gold rotor engraved with a 50 Years logo, marking its significance in the Audemar Piguet Royal Oak watch’s storied history. This piece was consigned directly by Sylvester Stallone, adding notable provenance to its already impressive credentials.

The design of this watch was inspired by Gérald Genta's original AP Royal Oak concept and paid homage to the roots of Audemars Piguet brand's iconic line. The use of pink gold and the Grande Tapisserie dial emphasized its luxurious nature, while the flying tourbillon showcased Audemars Piguet's technical prowess. This particular model’s unique features and association with a famous owner made it a highlight of the season.

**3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore The Beast No 001 Reference 25721PT Circa 1997, 190,500 CHF**

Audemars Piguet Watch — Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore The Beast No 001 Reference 25721PT

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore The Beast Reference 25721PT was sold for 190,500 CHF in May 2024. This platinum version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was famously known as The Beast. Weighing an impressive 520.95 grams, it was the first of only seven ever produced and was highly sought after by collectors. The grand 42mm case exemplified the watch's rugged elegance. This particular watch was in impeccable condition and came with original paperwork, box, and a digital extract from the Audemars Piguet archives.

Designed by Emmanuel Gueit, The Beast revolutionized the Royal Oak watch line-up with its substantial size and robust build. The platinum case added to its prestige, and its limited production further enhanced its exclusivity. Bearing the number 001, this watch became a grail for serious collectors as a perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

4. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar Reference 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01 Circa 2019, 192,000 USD

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar Reference 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01 was sold for 192,000 USD in June 2024. Introduced as a concept watch at SIHH 2018 and later released in 2019, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar holds the title of the thinnest automatic perpetual calendar ever made. Measuring 41mm in diameter and 6.3mm in height, it features a titanium case with platinum center links and bezel. The satin-brushed blue dial, paired with highly legible sub-dials, made it both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The watch's slim profile was achieved through a simplified movement with 256 components.

This ultra-thin model represented a significant achievement in watchmaking, reducing the thickness of the perpetual calendar mechanism without sacrificing performance. The use of lightweight materials, combined with the complex movement, showcased the Audemars Piguet brand's ability to push the boundaries of innovation while maintaining the elegance and prestige associated with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak line.

5. Audemars Piguet Cobra Royal Khanjar Reference 5587BC Circa 1971, 165,100 CHF

Audemars Piguet Watches — Audemars Piguet Cobra Royal Khanjar Reference 5587BC

The Audemars Piguet Cobra Royal Khanjar Reference 5587BC was sold for 165,100 CHF in April 2024. Before the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet introduced the Gérald Genta designed Cobra. This model was crafted in 18k white gold and featured a mesh-like bracelet resembling a serpent’s scales. The blue dial, complemented by twin subdials, added to its striking appearance. The back of the case was stamped with the Royal Khanjar crest, symbolizing its connection to the Omani royal family. This watch’s exclusive design and royal provenance made it a standout piece.

The Audemar Piguet Cobra watch’s design, with its slim in-house automatic Day-Date caliber, combined bold aesthetics with refined engineering. The presence of the Khanjar crest on the case back underscored its rarity and importance. With original papers and an instruction booklet, this watch appealed to collectors not only for its unique design but also for its historical significance.

The Audemars Piguet watches sold at Sotheby’s in the first half of 2024 showcased the brand's unparalleled craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity. From the intricately designed Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar to the historic Cobra Royal Khanjar, each of these timepieces captured the attention of collectors worldwide. Their rarity, combined with exceptional provenance and design, ensured that these watches would remain standout pieces in any collection.