AUDEMARS PIGUET, LIMITED EDITION TITANIUM 'ROYAL OAK CITY OF SAILS',...
CIRCA: 2000s
CASE MATERIAL: Titanium
CASE DIAMETER: 39 mm. wide
BRACELET MATERIAL: Titanium and titanium and stainless steel deployant clasp
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 195 mm. overall length
DIAL: Blue
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph, date
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Limited edition of 300 pieces
Lot Essay
When Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, it marked a defining moment in modern watchmaking, presenting one of the earliest luxury sports watches crafted in stainless steel and fitted with an integrated bracelet. Designed by the celebrated Gérald Genta, its distinctive octagonal bezel, secured by eight exposed screws, and strong nautical character have made the Royal Oak one of the most recognizable designs in horology.
Over the following decades, the model evolved into an extensive family of complications and variations, ranging from simple time-only examples to perpetual calendars and chronographs. Among the most distinctive is the present limited-edition chronograph, the City of Sails “Be Happy”, introduced in 2000 to commemorate the first Swiss challenge for the America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Produced in a limited edition of only 300 examples, the watch is distinguished by its lightweight titanium case and bracelet, a material renowned for its strength and resistance yet notably demanding to manufacture and finish. The blue tapisserie dial evokes the surrounding waters of Auckland, complemented by contrasting yellow-toned hour markers and hands.
Adding to its nautical character, the case back is engraved “City of Sails”, the celebrated nickname of Auckland, a city whose identity and heritage are closely intertwined with sailing and the sea.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
CIRCA: 2000s
CASE MATERIAL: Titanium
CASE DIAMETER: 39 mm. wide
BRACELET MATERIAL: Titanium and titanium and stainless steel deployant clasp
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 195 mm. overall length
DIAL: Blue
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Chronograph, date
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Presentation box and outer packaging
REMARK: Limited edition of 300 pieces
Lot Essay
When Audemars Piguet introduced the Royal Oak in 1972, it marked a defining moment in modern watchmaking, presenting one of the earliest luxury sports watches crafted in stainless steel and fitted with an integrated bracelet. Designed by the celebrated Gérald Genta, its distinctive octagonal bezel, secured by eight exposed screws, and strong nautical character have made the Royal Oak one of the most recognizable designs in horology.
Over the following decades, the model evolved into an extensive family of complications and variations, ranging from simple time-only examples to perpetual calendars and chronographs. Among the most distinctive is the present limited-edition chronograph, the City of Sails “Be Happy”, introduced in 2000 to commemorate the first Swiss challenge for the America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Produced in a limited edition of only 300 examples, the watch is distinguished by its lightweight titanium case and bracelet, a material renowned for its strength and resistance yet notably demanding to manufacture and finish. The blue tapisserie dial evokes the surrounding waters of Auckland, complemented by contrasting yellow-toned hour markers and hands.
Adding to its nautical character, the case back is engraved “City of Sails”, the celebrated nickname of Auckland, a city whose identity and heritage are closely intertwined with sailing and the sea.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
