A mid-size example, this Royal Oak ref. 25594BA holds a certain vintage charm with its two-tone design. Through the coherent proportions of the watch, it gives the sense that the design was imagined as a whole, from start to finish making it clear why this reference has soared in popularity amongst collectors in recent years.

Shortly after the introduction of the original Jumbo 5402, Audemars Piguet experimented with a few mid-size versions of the design. These were meant to bring the Royal Oak to a wider audience, who at the time favoured more modestly sized wristwatches. In 1983, less than a decade after Gerald Gentas sketch was turned into reality, Audemars Piguet introduced a Day Date version of the design, with the ref. 22572.

An all-gold Royal Oak is a bit of a paradox, yet the timelessness of the metal is simply undeniable. The Royal Oak was originally conceived as a luxury steel watch, yet its design and proportions render wonderfully when executed in yellow gold. This example, the reference 25594BA, combines the same yellow gold case and bracelet with a lighter champagne dial a two-tone combination that evokes a distinctly vintage impression when on the wrist. At 36mm, collectors have noted that this mid-size reference wears larger on the wrist than their dimensions would suggest.

In recent years, the mid-size Royal Oak Day Date has soared in both desirability and value, as the proportions and layout of the dial are beautifully coherent, signalling a carefully thought-out and articulate design. Further to this, the bracelet, bezel, and sub-dials interact subtly against each other, as they are the same shade of yellow gold, providing an understated contrast against the lighter dial.

This Royal Oak Day Date 25594BA is powered by the self-winding calibre 2224/2825, based on a Jaeger-LeCoultre bauche. The movement is tucked away behind a closed caseback which has the signature Royal Oak engraved on the back. Ultimately, the piece is an excellent representative of the neo-vintage period, combining both luxury and casual wearability with a practical complication.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 25594BA will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This yellow gold, Royal Oak Day Date Ref. 25594BA is in excellent condition overall, with virtually no marks or imperfections on the case. Though previously polished, the shape of the case has been wonderfully preserved, maintaining the correct angles and bevelling. The engravings and hallmarks are visible on both the case and inside of the clasp, with minimal stretch to the original bracelet. The dial is free of imperfections, and the luminous markers and hands show a similarly aged tone. The winding crown is also unsigned.

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.