.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Christie's is proud to offer this magnificent one-of-a-kind diamond and ruby-set Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel reference 25687 for the first time at auction. It is a masterpiece that perfectly combines mechanical sophistication, cutting-edge design, and complete exclusivity. Undoubtedly one of the most important and noble Royal Oak wristwatches ever made by Audemars Piguet, this remarkable piece of timepiece gives collectors an unprecedented opportunity to own a watch that is a genuine representation of haute horlogerie and artistic craftsmanship.
This ravishingly beautiful platinum Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25687, distinguished by its deep ruby red dial and diamond hour markers, can only be described as a collector’s dream. It is one of the most sought-after of Audemars Piguet's 'no leap year' Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars ever due to its extremely rare and distinctive appearance. The present timepiece was the only model of this reference produced in platinum paired with a 40 ruby-set bezel, confirmed by Audemars Piguet's Archives with the phrase 'lunette sertie entre les vis'. Also confirmed by the Audemars Piguet’s archives is this D-series Royal Oak's date of sale, dating back to 1994.
Unique ’Ruby Red' Dial Analysis
The dial of the present timepiece is a study in rarity and sophistication. Officially referred to by Audemars Piguet as 'Ruby Red', the dial's unique deep red color creates a captivating contrast with the dark blue of the moonphase and the cool tones of the platinum case. The three subsidiary dials are finished with a smooth surface for maximum legibility, while the guilloché engine-turned pattern shows a concentric wavy-line texture. Crisp white printed text and a minute track complement the glossy red lacquer finish, and the dial's already captivating composition is further enhanced by nine diamond-set hour markers in delicate claw settings. Adding to its appeal and prestige, the dial was produced by Stern Frères, the renowned Geneva-based dial maker known for creating some of the most exquisite and intricate dials in Swiss watchmaking history.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25687
According to Audemars Piguet's production records, only three examples of the reference 25687 were ever produced: the first in yellow gold in 1989, and two other platinum version, one with sapphires and the other, the present watch, with rubies. The model derives directly from the legendary reference 25654, the first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. The platinum version of the 25654 was on sale for 10 years, starting from 1988, and only produced in 38 units. Today this reference is one of the most desirable and coveted of all vintage Royal Oaks, the definitive luxury sports watch.
This ravishingly beautiful platinum Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25687, distinguished by its deep ruby red dial and diamond hour markers, can only be described as a collector’s dream. It is one of the most sought-after of Audemars Piguet's 'no leap year' Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars ever due to its extremely rare and distinctive appearance. The present timepiece was the only model of this reference produced in platinum paired with a 40 ruby-set bezel, confirmed by Audemars Piguet's Archives with the phrase 'lunette sertie entre les vis'. Also confirmed by the Audemars Piguet’s archives is this D-series Royal Oak's date of sale, dating back to 1994.
Unique ’Ruby Red' Dial Analysis
The dial of the present timepiece is a study in rarity and sophistication. Officially referred to by Audemars Piguet as 'Ruby Red', the dial's unique deep red color creates a captivating contrast with the dark blue of the moonphase and the cool tones of the platinum case. The three subsidiary dials are finished with a smooth surface for maximum legibility, while the guilloché engine-turned pattern shows a concentric wavy-line texture. Crisp white printed text and a minute track complement the glossy red lacquer finish, and the dial's already captivating composition is further enhanced by nine diamond-set hour markers in delicate claw settings. Adding to its appeal and prestige, the dial was produced by Stern Frères, the renowned Geneva-based dial maker known for creating some of the most exquisite and intricate dials in Swiss watchmaking history.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25687
According to Audemars Piguet's production records, only three examples of the reference 25687 were ever produced: the first in yellow gold in 1989, and two other platinum version, one with sapphires and the other, the present watch, with rubies. The model derives directly from the legendary reference 25654, the first Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. The platinum version of the 25654 was on sale for 10 years, starting from 1988, and only produced in 38 units. Today this reference is one of the most desirable and coveted of all vintage Royal Oaks, the definitive luxury sports watch.