Lot #1115
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 25800BA 18k Yellow Gold
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Introduction
Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$30,000 – $40,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
33mm
Model
Royal Oak Perpetual
Movement
Self-Winding Caliber 2141
Reference
25800BA
Bracelet
18k Yellow Gold
Year
1998
Condition
Excellent
Material
18k Yellow Gold
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Gold
THE DIAL
The 25800BA features a champagne colored dial with a familiar AP perpetual calendar moonphase layout. The subdial at 12 o'clock features a leap year indicator in addition to the indicator for the month of the year.
THE MOVEMENT
A diminutive sized movement that packs a punch. The 2141 is used in both the Royal Oak as well as the Edward Piguet cases, and has perpetual calendar and moonphase functions.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The overall condition of the watch is excellent. Dial is in mint condition with a few of the indexes exhibiting minor oxidation. Case and bracelet are excellent, and present a warm hue throughout. Minor surface scratches and wear visible on the otherwise excellent and thick case. AP on clasp is worn, as shown in the images.
Our Perspective
A favorite amongst AP connoisseurs, the 25800 is an interesting watch, notably for its diminutive 33mm size. This "baby" AP was produced in extremely limited numbers, and is seldom seen in any configuration, let alone 18k gold.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
