A Closer Look
Graced with an Icon:
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Ref: 26591TI & 26615TI
Ahead of Fine Watches on 12 October, we are exploring the creation of the world's most iconic luxury sports watch: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
When Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972 with an original design penned by the renowned Swiss watchmaker Gérald Genta, the integrated luxury sports watch segment was graced with an icon.
The design was created in just one night, when Georges Golay, the managing director of Audemars Piguet at the time, called Genta, requesting the design sketch for a “steel sports watch that has never been done before,” by the next morning.
Genta set to work immediately, creating what would become one of the watch world's most iconic designs: an octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, said to be inspired by a diving helmet.
Over the next four decades the Royal Oak line has been refined, expanded, and used as a testing platform for new complications, materials, and design elements. By combining classic sports elements with the more reserved dress complications, Audemars Piguet makes a bold statement that few companies have embraced.
Read on to learn more about two incredible examples from our upcoming Fine Watches auction.
Lot 94
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Royal Oak Automatic Perpetual Calendar Bracelet Watch
Reference 26591TI, is a classic, two-tone variation of the Royal Oak. The watch is cased in titanium with an integrated titanium bracelet and a vibrant salmon-coloured Tappiserie dial. The face features three subsidiary dials for day, date and month combined with leap year indication.
The watch's titanium case allows the wearer to obtain an all metal timepiece with a significant difference in weight and feel. The material is extremely durable and scratch resistant, ensuring that the complicated luxury watch can be worn on any occasion.
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Royal Oak Automatic Perpetual Calendar Bracelet Watch. Royal Oak, Ref: 26615TI.OO.1220TI.01, c.2010. Estimate: $150,000 - $250,000
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Royal Oak Automatic Perpetual Calendar Bracelet Watch. Royal Oak, Ref: 26615TI.OO.1220TI.01, c.2010. Estimate: $150,000 - $250,000
Lot 93
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Manual Wind Minute Repeating Bracelet Watch
This Royal Oak reference 26615TI, includes a perpetual calendar, dual time zone, and minute repeater, keeping classic Royal Oak proportions in a space-age titanium case. 26615TI contains the caliber 5134, and the 40-hour, 38 jewel thin movement is made from a total of 300 pieces.
Launched in 2020, this watch is the latest version of the Supersonnerie, a concept launched by Audemars Piguet in the 2015 with the goal of amplifying the volume of the traditional minute repeater, while making the sound more refined and complex.
26615TI comes to Bonhams from its original owner, and is being offered unworn with its original wrapping.
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Manual Wind Minute Repeating Bracelet Watch. Royal Oak Minute Repeater Super Sonnerie, Ref: 26591TI.OO.1252TI.02, c.2021. Estimate: $300,000 - $500,000
Audemars Piguet. A Limited Edition Titanium Manual Wind Minute Repeating Bracelet Watch. Royal Oak Minute Repeater Super Sonnerie, Ref: 26591TI.OO.1252TI.02, c.2021. Estimate: $300,000 - $500,000
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