Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 25594ST

Ref. 25594STA strikingly attractive and very rare stainless steel wristwatch with bracelet, day, date, and moon phase indicators, and “sapphire blue" dial

Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1998 Reference No: 25594ST Movement No: 448'399 Case No: No. 2066; E-4139 Model Name: Royal Oak Day-Date Moon Phase “Yves Klein” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2224/2825, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, additionally signed Gay Frères Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives.Having already launched the Royal Oak in 1972 as the first luxury stainless steel sports watch with an integrated bracelet, Audemars Piguet sought to develop the Royal Oak into a diverse range of timepieces offering collectors a variety of complications. In 1985, the firm released the ref. 25594 featuring a sleek 36mm diameter case with calendar functions indicating the day, date and moon phases. The present example of the reference 25594 is cased in stainless steel and fitted with a striking electric blue dial, nicknamed “Yves Klein” for its precise resemblance to the Nouveau Realisme artist’s signature color. The petite tapisserie dial thus gives a highly lacquered effect, glistening in contrast to the steel case and white printing. Very few steel reference 25594s have appeared fitted with such a distinct coloration, as standard versions were offered with cream, silver, or black dials. Moreover, “Yves Klein” dials were fitted to very few Royal Oaks across all references, and have subsequently become some of the most coveted variations. Its collectability is augmented by a wearable 36mm case offered here in superb overall condition.