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Lot Essay
In 1996, Audemars Piguet introduced the self-winding perpetual calendar calibre 2120⁄2802, an evolution of the celebrated calibre 2120⁄2800 incorporating, for the first time, a leap-year indication. From its inception, the movement was produced in two distinct versions: a classical execution for reference 25820 and a skeletonised variant debuting in the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar reference 25829, such as the present timepiece.
Produced in an extraordinarily limited series of just 15 examples, all delivered in 1997, reference 25829 ranks among the rarest perpetual calendars ever manufactured by Audemars Piguet. Fresh to the auction market, the present timepiece is only the fourth example known to have appeared at auction, further underlining its exceptional rarity. Numbered 24, it is fitted with a deployant clasp bearing the Gay Frères hallmark, the legendary bracelet maker responsible for iconic creations including early Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5402.
The openworked construction reveals the remarkable architecture of the calibre, transforming its mechanical complexity into a visual spectacle while showcasing the manufacture's mastery of traditional skeletonization. From its introduction, reference 25829 was offered in a variety of precious metals and a handful of highly exclusive limited editions.
The present example is distinguished by its combination of tantalum and yellow gold. First introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1986, tantalum has remained one of the manufacture's rarest case materials, used only sparingly and always in combination with other metals to accentuate its distinctive blue-grey hue. Naturally resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic, and exceptionally difficult to machine, tantalum lends the watch both technical distinction and a unique visual identity.
Produced in an extraordinarily limited series of just 15 examples, all delivered in 1997, reference 25829 ranks among the rarest perpetual calendars ever manufactured by Audemars Piguet. Fresh to the auction market, the present timepiece is only the fourth example known to have appeared at auction, further underlining its exceptional rarity. Numbered 24, it is fitted with a deployant clasp bearing the Gay Frères hallmark, the legendary bracelet maker responsible for iconic creations including early Patek Philippe Nautilus reference 3700 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 5402.
The openworked construction reveals the remarkable architecture of the calibre, transforming its mechanical complexity into a visual spectacle while showcasing the manufacture's mastery of traditional skeletonization. From its introduction, reference 25829 was offered in a variety of precious metals and a handful of highly exclusive limited editions.
The present example is distinguished by its combination of tantalum and yellow gold. First introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1986, tantalum has remained one of the manufacture's rarest case materials, used only sparingly and always in combination with other metals to accentuate its distinctive blue-grey hue. Naturally resistant to corrosion, hypoallergenic, and exceptionally difficult to machine, tantalum lends the watch both technical distinction and a unique visual identity.