Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01

AUDEMARS PIGUET. A VERY RARE AND HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE BLACK CERAMIC SKELETONISED AUTOMATIC DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS AND BRACELET ROYAL OAK DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL OPENWORKED MODEL, REF. 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01, CASE NO. KJ0214C

AUDEMARS PIGUET. A VERY RARE AND HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE BLACK CERAMIC SKELETONISED AUTOMATIC DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS AND BRACELET ROYAL OAK DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL OPENWORKED MODEL, REF. 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01, CASE NO. KJ0214C Movement: Automatic Dial: Skeletonised Case: 41 mm. With: Black ceramic Audemars Piguet bracelet, approximate wrist size 180 mm., undated Audemars Piguet International Warranty Card, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging Remark: First example at Christie's Note: The presentation box that accompanies this lot may not be the original “fitted box”. Please refer to paragraph A in the Conditions of Sale for further information. If you have any queries, please contact Watch Department at watcheshk@christies.com AUDEMARS PIGUET. A VERY RARE AND HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE BLACK CERAMIC SKELETONISED AUTOMATIC DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS AND BRACELET ROYAL OAK DOUBLE BALANCE WHEEL OPENWORKED MODEL, REF. 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01, CASE NO. KJ0214C Movement: Automatic Dial: Skeletonised Case: 41 mm. With: Black ceramic Audemars Piguet bracelet, approximate wrist size 180 mm., undated Audemars Piguet International Warranty Card, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging Remark: First example at Christie's Note: The presentation box that accompanies this lot may not be the original “fitted box”. Please refer to paragraph A in the Conditions of Sale for further information. If you have any queries, please contact Watch Department at watcheshk@christies.comVisually stunning and technically highly sophisticated, this Black Ceramic Royal Oak Double Balance Openworked reference 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01 is a fiercely contemporary watchmaking masterpiece and naturally one of the most desirable of modern Royal Oaks. Currently it is almost impossible to obtain, commanding a significant premium on the open market. Consigned by the original owner, the present watch is accompanied by the full set of accessories. It presents international collectors with a golden opportunity to acquire this beyond desirable Royal Oak without waitlist or delay. With case and bracelet crafted in brushed and polished black ceramic, this cutting-edge evolution of the Royal Oak has a slick and super-contemporary aesthetic. AP’s patented double balance wheel mechanism is showcased through the openworked ruthenium-treated slate grey dial which features contrasting pink gold balance bridge, hour markers and hands. The caliber 3132 has a unique double balance wheel configuration providing a stable, high inertia balance that does not require any additional space within the movement. AP reports that the double balance movement is approximately 30% more accurate than other movements. AP’s Royal Oak Double Balance Openworked is a very significant technical innovation that was first presented in 2016 with the stainless steel model. The Double Balance Wheel is intended to improve stability of timekeeping and consequently the overall accuracy of the movement. The Double Balance system uses a single balance staff that carries a balance and hairspring on each side. Thus the watch can be regulated from both sides which in itself reduces friction. AP’s full ceramic case and bracelet first appeared with high complication models such as the Perpetual Calendar and the Tourbillon Extra-Thin. Of extreme hardness and equally difficult to work with as a material in watchmaking, the black ceramic Royal Oak case is a remarkable achievement. The ceramic used by Audemars Piguet includes Zirconium Oxide powder that is combined with a binding agent. In order to produce the uniform colour, it must be heated to a temperature of over 1,000 °C. After which, every part is meticulously finished by hand to create AP’s signature polished and satin-brushed surfaces. A full bracelet takes approximately 30 hours to finish. This great standout Royal Oak has captivated collectors since the moment of its release, the perfect amalgam of the technical and visual artistry that defines contemporary Audemars Piguet.