Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Hong Kong, Jul 23, 2020
LOT 355
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26040 ST, self-winding, fly-back chronograph, minute and hour recorders, “Regatta” function; “Royal Oak OffShore” “Alinghi Polaris”; limited edition of 2 000 examples; stainless steel
HKD 80,000 - 120,000
CHF 10,000 - 15,000 / USD 11,000 - 16,000
Stainless steel, self-winding, tonneau-shaped, large wristwatch, water- resistant with case-back screwed by eight screws and engraved with a compass, octagonal bezel, bidirectional revolving compass graduation (activated by the crown at 10:30), black colour dial with radial Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds at 9 and four horological complications:
• Fly-back “retour en vol” 1/8 second chronograph (activated by the two round push-pieces)
•Dragging 10-minute central recorder (exterior graduation with central index; aperture for the “Regatta” function at 12 o’clock which turns red after 9 minutes)
• Dragging 20-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock, with red “Alinghi” logo)
• 6-hour recorder (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
•Dragging 10-minute central recorder (exterior graduation with central index; aperture for the “Regatta” function at 12 o’clock which turns red after 9 minutes)
• Dragging 20-minute recorder (subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock, with red “Alinghi” logo)
• 6-hour recorder (subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 2-8 |
Very good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 1* |
As new Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 1-01 |
As new HANDS Original |
Brand Audemars Piguet, Le Brassus (Vallée de Joux)
Model Royal Oak OffShore, linghi Polaris; limited edition of 2 000 pieces, No. 0865
Reference 26040 ST
Year circa 2006
Case No. F52152
Bracelet black rubber AP strap, stainless steel AP buckle
Caliber 2326 / 2847
Dimensions 53.4 x 42.9 mm.
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Audemars Piguet, “Royal Oak OffShore” “Alinghi Polaris”
Launched at SIHH in 2005, the “Alinghi Polaris”, named after the star commonly used for navigation, was the first “Royal Oak” designed specifically for sailing.
Using the newly designed calibre 2326 movement with calibre 2874 chronograph module, the watch featured a fly-back chronograph with visual 10-minute countdown timer (a 10-minute central recorder and an aperture for the “Regatta” function which turns red after 9 minutes), as well as 20-minute and 6-hour recorders, with a subsidiary dial for running seconds.
Released in limited edition of 2 000 examples with 1 935 in this configuration, the model was the first, and until 2016 the only “Royal Oak” model to incorporate an inner revolving ring as found on the Scuba model (also first launched in 2005) with a chronograph.