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Lot Essay
When Gerald Genta designed the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak released in 1972 it is hard to imagine he could have foreseen how many variants would develop from this humble automatic stainless steel sports bracelet watch. While previously a perpetual calendar and a version with day and date were offered, it was not until the launch of the Offshore model in 1993 that the full selection of complications were offered. From perpetual calendar chronographs to minute repeaters and even equation of time complications, the Offshore case design has featured many of these mechanical marvels, but among those with the most wrist presence is the example offered here: the tourbillon chronograph with 10 day power reserve in platinum.
While still featuring the iconic mix of brushed and polished finishes that made the Royal Oak so revolutionary when it was introduced, it is now done on a substantially larger canvas measuring 44 mm in diameter and 16.6 mm thick, and in a combination of platinum and ceramic, made all the more impressive when considering how hard it is to apply different kinds of finishing to material only slightly less hard than diamond.
But it is the movement that really captivates the attention. Deep openwork to the dark blue dial reveal the two barrels providing the 237 hours of power reserve, and anodized aluminum bridges allow for a clear view of the tourbillon. When viewed from the back the column wheel is framed by the black bridges and the futuristic design is exemplified by the straight and austere brushed arms in place of the traditional curved chronograph levers and springs.
Offered in apparently unworn condition showing no signs of wear at all and complete with all box and papers dating from earlier this year, this watch represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic watch designs in the exceptional and brutal combination of platinum and black ceramic with an exemplary mix of complications.
While still featuring the iconic mix of brushed and polished finishes that made the Royal Oak so revolutionary when it was introduced, it is now done on a substantially larger canvas measuring 44 mm in diameter and 16.6 mm thick, and in a combination of platinum and ceramic, made all the more impressive when considering how hard it is to apply different kinds of finishing to material only slightly less hard than diamond.
But it is the movement that really captivates the attention. Deep openwork to the dark blue dial reveal the two barrels providing the 237 hours of power reserve, and anodized aluminum bridges allow for a clear view of the tourbillon. When viewed from the back the column wheel is framed by the black bridges and the futuristic design is exemplified by the straight and austere brushed arms in place of the traditional curved chronograph levers and springs.
Offered in apparently unworn condition showing no signs of wear at all and complete with all box and papers dating from earlier this year, this watch represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic watch designs in the exceptional and brutal combination of platinum and black ceramic with an exemplary mix of complications.