Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Dec 07, 2011

LOT 382

AUDEMARS PIGUET STEEL ROYAL OAK TROPICAL DIAL Audemars Piguet, ?Royal Oak Automatic,? No. D 1326. Made in the 1990?s. Fine, octagonal, tonneau-shaped, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with date and a stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet with deployant clasp.

USD 8,000 - 12,000

CHF 7,000 - 11,000 / EUR 5,700 - 8,500

Sold: USD 11,250

C. Two-body, polished and brushed, octagonal bezel set with 8 hexagonal nuts embanked in 8 screws on the case back, angled lugs with 4 screws to attach the bracelet, screwed-down winding crown, sapphire crystal. D. Anthracite, clous de Paris decoration, applied luminous steel baton indexes, aperture for the date. Luminous steel baton hands. M. Cal. 2125, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 36 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, Gyromax balance adjusted for heat, cold isochronism and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating fl at balance-spring, 21K gold rotor. Dial, case and movement signed. Dim. 39 x 47 mm. Thickness 7 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-10-01

Good

Patinated

HANDS Original

Notes

Charles Gérald Genta (1931-2011) Born in Switzerland, Gerald Genta chose jewelry making as his profession at an early age. Upon completing his training in 1951, he maintained his position in the jewelry trade for the next decade. In 1961, he had an epiphany and declared himself as the ?world?s fi rst watch designer,? combining his love for fi ne art and his experience in the jewelry business. Gerald Genta rose to fame as the designer of the Audemars Piguet 'Royal Oak', launched in 1972 the price was considered outrageous for a steel sports watch, however the model slowly gained in popularity and became a success. The Royal Oak is Audemars Piguet's most successful line and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012. Genta later secured his place in horological history when he designed the Patek Philippe 'Nautilus', launched in 1976. Both the Royal Oak and Nautilus continue to be manufactured today in an almost identical design to their original releases proving the iconic and timeless designs of Genta's work. Gerald Genta died in 2011 but his legacy and memory will always be remembered through the watches he designed.