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Lot Essay
Originally launched in 1983, Audemars Piguet reference 5554 was the first Royal Oak to feature a perpetual calendar. Limited to 279 examples, the timepiece was exceedingly rare and desirable, quickly leading to the production of numerous successor references.
Years later in 1987, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25654 was unveiled and marked an important evolution in the celebrated Royal Oak QP lineage, while preserving its iconic original design. Most often found with dials lacking the traditional Tapisserie motif, the reference featured a subtly re-engineered case construction that improved water resistance, with thickness increasing slightly from 7.5 mm to 8.3 mm while maintaining the elegant proportions that define the model.
For nearly a decade, the reference 25654 served as the cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s 39 mm, perpetual calendar Royal Oak collection, remaining in production until 1996, when it was succeeded by the reference 25820, which introduced the leap-year indication. Powered by the ultra-thin caliber 2120⁄2800, the 25654 accounted for nearly half of all Royal Oak perpetual calendars fitted with this movement, with a total of only 851 examples produced between 1987 and 1998. As such, the reference stands as one of the most significant and emblematic perpetual calendar Royal Oaks of the late 20th century, combining technical sophistication with the enduring brilliance of Gérald Genta’s legendary design.
Years later in 1987, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25654 was unveiled and marked an important evolution in the celebrated Royal Oak QP lineage, while preserving its iconic original design. Most often found with dials lacking the traditional Tapisserie motif, the reference featured a subtly re-engineered case construction that improved water resistance, with thickness increasing slightly from 7.5 mm to 8.3 mm while maintaining the elegant proportions that define the model.
For nearly a decade, the reference 25654 served as the cornerstone of Audemars Piguet’s 39 mm, perpetual calendar Royal Oak collection, remaining in production until 1996, when it was succeeded by the reference 25820, which introduced the leap-year indication. Powered by the ultra-thin caliber 2120⁄2800, the 25654 accounted for nearly half of all Royal Oak perpetual calendars fitted with this movement, with a total of only 851 examples produced between 1987 and 1998. As such, the reference stands as one of the most significant and emblematic perpetual calendar Royal Oaks of the late 20th century, combining technical sophistication with the enduring brilliance of Gérald Genta’s legendary design.