Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
In anticipation of the upcoming Only Watch 2017 charity auction, we’ll be exploring the unique pieces donated by top watchmakers. Today, we turn our attention to the Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet unique piece
Arguably the most famous watch charity events in the industry, the biennial Only Watch auction returns for 2017. Under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, Only Watch seeks to raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is achieved by auctioning off one-of-a-kind timepieces from some of the best watchmakers in the world.
In the past, Only Watch took place in Monaco, but this year, it finds a new home in Geneva, Switzerland. Mark your calendars for November 11, 2017, to see some incredible watches go up for sale. Leading the events this year is none other than the famous auction house, Christie’s. Since the auction’s first edition in 2005, it has raised over 25 million euros.
This year, Audemars Piguet makes a come back to Only Watch after being notably absent from the last two editions. The Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet piece is based on the ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar launched at SIHH 2017. However, since this is Only Watch and each donation has to be unique, it has its own exclusive touches. Let’s have a closer look.
Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Unique Piece
The Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet watch is a special version of the black ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. It’s worth reminding readers that the ceramic AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar from was actually the first entirely ceramic timepiece from Audemars Piguet. Given its big success, it’s not surprising that the Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet timepiece takes its cues from the black ceramic beauty. However, unlike the inaugural version, this edition sports a royal blue Grande Tapisserie dial. This particular shade subtly evokes the sky as it transitions from day to night.
Dubbed the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Only Watch, Unique Piece (ref. 26599CE.OO.1225CE.01), this 41mm watch boasts a hand-finished black ceramic case with a matching bracelet, crown, and Audemars Piguet’s famed octagonal bezel with black through screws. Carrying on the black color scheme, the dial’s flange that displays the 52 weeks of the year appears in black with white lettering, while black hour and minute hands sit at the center of the watch face encircled by black hour markers. These elements contain white luminescence for improved legibility, and to complement this contrasting color the extra thin central hand also appears in white.
Set against a “Skylight” blue dial with Audemars Piguet signature Grande Tapisserie pattern are three sub-dials in solid gray gold at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock. These indicate the day, date, and month, plus leap year when applicable. Sitting at 6 o’clock and showcasing a spectacular orange-tinted photo realistic moon is the timepiece’s moon phase indication. The numerals and lettering on each of these registers also appear in black to maintain the harmony of the watch’s overall design.
The Caliber Powering the Only Watch 2017 Audemars Piguet
The appeal of a perpetual calendar mechanism, of course, is that it will keep the correct date and time (almost) in perpetuity. Almost, because in 2100, the typical leap year will be ignored, thus throwing off the otherwise perfectly scheduled perpetual calendar function.
Powering the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Only Watch, Unique Piece is the Caliber 5134. This automatic mechanical movement has been Audemars Piguet’s customary caliber for this collection since 2015. The difference with this iteration of the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, however, is this one comes equipped with a black ceramic caseback with a sapphire display. Haute horology aficionados will enjoy the view that this caseback window gives into the watch’s remarkable black oscillating rotor.
This singular Only Watch Audemars Piguet piece is expected to be auctioned off for anywhere between $83,000 and $124,000. Since this is not that much more than a standard Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, it’s this a very conservative range. As such, we suspect that this version of the popular timepiece will fare much better than anticipated. It is, after all, a unique Audemars Piguet timepiece! Let’s not forget, Audemars Piguet is one of the most popular luxury watch brands in the industry. As a result, we predict a bidding war. Stay tuned to find out how much AP’s donation will raise for Only Watch 2017.
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