Setting a new high for any Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone sold at auction, yesterday Sunday November 13, 2016, a highly attractive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone —18K yellow gold and stainless steel— reference 25402SA sold for $41,000 USD —including buyer's premium— at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction FOUR.
Regardless that this particular watch is not the first and original Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402SA launched at the end of 1977 within the B-series production timeline, this watch was able to move the needle up at this historical auction. Measuring 39 mm in diameter and powered by the legendary automatic calibre 2121 just like the original Two-Tone Royal Oak Jumbo, this watch ref. 25402SA was first launched in 1985.
By now, many of you might be wondering what made the price skyrocket so high? Well, while this is no Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402, this watch benefited at the auction because of its pristine condition —almost new—, its history and its case bearing the Royal Oak consecutive No. 1.
Additionally, just to put things in perspective and provide more clarity in terms of pricing for vintage Royal Oaks, a stainless steel Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402ST A-series sells anywhere between $30,000 USD and $40,000 USD, while a Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402SA Two-Tone B-series would sell anywhere in the ballpark of $25,000 USD and $30,000 USD —depending on condition, correctness and availability of boxes and papers. The Lot 101 from Phillips watches, falls within the early C-Series production period with serial number 57,610 and movement number 274,803 and was the first watch to be produced within the production run for the reference 25402SA in 1985.
Described by Phillips as: "a very rare example of the two-tone reference 25402, launched in 1985 and bearing the coveted “N°1” on its case back, the present watch served faithfully as an ambassador for Audemars Piguet. Never intended to be sold to the public, the watch accompanied AP’s sales executives during their product line presentations to retailers around the world. Fitted in their presentation cases alongside other pristine models, this watch allowed professionals to examine or discover watches 'in the metal' that might later become their best sellers. From the executive’s suitcase to the present owner, this watch has been lovingly kept in a safe until today. It is now presented for auction, fresh to the market and in virtually unworn
condition. A rare occasion to acquire an untouched, fascinating example of the iconic Royal Oak."
In summary, the price paid for this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone —18K yellow gold and stainless steel— reference 25402SA, has just set an interesting precedent for any Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402SA currently for sale. Our guess is that moving forward, a good honest example of a vintage Audemars Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402SA B-Series with box and papers or service history, correct dial and original clasp should be selling anywhere between $30,000 USD and $40,000 USD.
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