Audemars Piguet “Yves Klein Tropical 25686ST” Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar

Description

Offered here is an absolutely breathtaking Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendar, produced circa 1990s, bearing the reference 25686.  The reference 25686 was produced as a successor to the 25654, and was made in a total of 233 pieces across all metals.  The reference 25686 was still yet produced without the leap year function (which is favored by collectors for its cleaner look), which would come later in the reference 25820.  However, what sets this Royal Oak perpetual apart from the rest is the fitment of a sapphire blue dial — dubbed the “Yves Klein” dial — of which allegedly on 30 were produced across all references.  Taking it one step further, this is no ordinary Yves Klein dial – this particular dial has aged to a tropical maroon color evenly across the dial (with bouts of purple around the edge), and is truly one of the most stunning Royal Oaks we have ever seen.

The condition of this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendar is just as stunning as the dial color – it remains unpolished and crisp, clearly very carefully worn.  As stated earlier, the dial has aged from a sapphire blue color to a lovely maroon/purple hue, and shows absolutely no peeling to the paint as is common on these dials.

Further, this example comes with its original Audemars Piguet winder box, and Certificate of Authenticity, prepared by AP with photos of the watch and all relevant information, originally sold in 1994.