Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ref. 25654BA - Satin Champagne Dial Full Set
It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no surprise that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world. While the initial 5402 was time-only, AP quickly began to capitalize on the success of the Royal Oak and begin to integrate other complications and variations into this case. Prior to the Royal Oak’s introduction, AP was a master of high complications making beautiful movements in precious metals. It was only a matter of time after the introduction of the Royal Oak that AP would continue to leverage that mastery and marry them with the new design. Which leads us to the Royal Oak that we have here, a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Reference 25654BA. These pieces feature extremely similar proportions to the original 'Jumbo' Ref. 5402, albeit with a slightly thicker (or rather, less thin) case due to the movement within. Otherwise, that iconic integrated bracelet, the hexagonal crown, octagonal bezel, and even a automatic-winding movement are all very familiar. This example is a tone-on-tone, solid yellow gold variant with a champagne dial inside. It is offered in fantastic condition, with a case and bracelet that seem to be devoid of any noteworthy previous polishing, an immaculate dial within, and a replacement deployant clasp. Additionally, this piece is accompanied by its outer box, inner winding box, booklets, serialized leather hangtag, corrector, winding key, and guarantee papers. Far rarer and more complicated than its standard 'Jumbo' predecessor, these QP Royal Oaks from the late 1980s-1990s still remain something of a bargain on the market today... ... One thing is for sure, thats usually an indication that it wont be the case forever...