Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

New York, Sep 15, 2010

LOT 118

Audemars Piguet - US Grand Prix - Royal Oak Prototype Audemars Piguet, Genève, "Royal Oak,? Automatic, No. 287, case No. E 19496. Made as one of only three pieces in 2000 to Award to the winner of the 2000 Formula 1 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Races. Very fine and extremely rare, tonneau-shaped, large, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with round button chronograph, registers, date and an 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet with concealed deployant clasp. Accompanied by the original fitted box, certificate, instruction booklet and Certificate of Authenticity in the shape of a 35 x 21 cm glass plaque.

USD 25,000 - 35,000

EUR 20,000 - 26,000 / CHF 26,000 - 36,000

Sold: USD 27,500

C. Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, octagonal bezel with 8 hexagonal white gold screws securing 8 case back screws, screwed-down hexagonal winding-crown and chronograph buttons, sapphire crystal. D. Matte silver with clous-de-Paris decoration, multi color emblem imprint of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway logo, applied luminous yellow gold square markers, outer minute/seconds divisions, subsidiary dials for the seconds, the 12-hour and 30-minute registers, aperture for the date between 4 & 5. Luminous yellow gold baton hands. M. Cal. 2385, rhodium-plated, oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 37 jewels, straightline lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, 21K gold rotor segment. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 41 mm. Thickness 11 mm. Approximate overall length 190 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

In 2000, Audemars Piguet and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway owners developed a common project to design Royal Oak?s to give to the winner of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Three prototypes were eventually made (including the current one) featuring the famous logo on the dial. Michael Schumacher won the race that year and was unable to accept the timepiece as he was already under contract with another Swiss watch manufacturer. The collaboration was never completed and it is therefore a unique opportunity to acquire this rare Royal Oak.