Ref. 26574BCA striking and very scarce white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with purple/burgundy dial, moonphases, bracelet, box and guarantee
Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2022 Reference No: 26574BC Movement No: BJ2827 Case No: PN7471H Model Name: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 5134, 38 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet bracelet stamped "1220" to the endlinks, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet double deployant clasp Dimensions: 41mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Guarantee card, additional Audemars Piguet black rubber strap with Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, product literature, self-winding purple presentation box and outer packaging , One of the most fiercely desired modern timepieces, the Royal Oak needs little to no introduction. Starting with humble beginnings as a simple two hander with date - and practically “bullied” by the entire market at launch as either a folly or a delusion - it in fact ushered an entire new market segment, the luxury sport’s watch, and has today been endowed with virtually any complication imaginable - and a few beyond that (as seen in the Royal Oak “concept” line). However, the perpetual calendar version remains one of the most sought-after complications to be found in a Royal Oak. Multiple reasons can be pointed out for such a trend: the utmost practicality of a perpetual calendar in an automatic luxury sport’s watch; the horological refinement of the complication, since ever regarded as one of the pinnacles of watchmaking; the intrinsic rarity bestowed upon these watches by their labour-intensive movements; the supreme aesthetic balance of the resulting dial configuration. One could spend hours analysing the trend, but the most immediate way to understand the fascination of the market for perpetual calendar Royal Oak is simply to hold - or even better to wear - one: the appeal of the piece is absolutely undeniable on a nearly subliminal level. Thus, obviously, any perpetual calendar Royal Oak can be considered a dream for the watch collector, but the present piece pushes the boundaries much, much further. One of the rarest variations of the model, the present ref. 26574 in white gold features an enormously appealing and unusual plum colored dial, the deep violet hue in striking contrast with the white gold case for an absolutely spectacular final effect. Not only we are talking of an aesthetically mesmerising pieces, but as aforementioned also of an extremely elusive one. Audemars Piguet provides very scarce public information about the piece, but on their website it is described as a “special edition”. In depth research points out that it was made in less than 100 pieces, and most likely was a special commission piece for Qatar. Topping up the package, the watch is offered in virtually “as-new” condition and complete of its original Guarantee card, purple self-winding box and additional rubber strap., A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
