This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date 25594 is an unusual combination of the beloved Royal Oak design with a seldom-seen complication. Believed to have been produced for only a handful of years, the Day Date Moonphase 25594 remains one of the few Royal Oak references to house this complication, and is an excellent example of the neo-vintage movement.

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. Two years later, they built on the design by integrating a moonphase, with the ref. 25594. This was one of the first complications to be housed within a mid-size Royal Oak case.

Originally conceived as an all-steel watch, the stainless steel and yellow gold used within this reference 25594 is a two-tone combination that balances function and elegant design, remaining extremely wearable. While the main body of the piece is rendered in steel, the indexes, centre-links and bezel can be found in yellow gold. The greyish-silvered dial also provides a legible background for the indices and indications, but is a similar shade to the steel case, allowing for aesthetic coherence.

At 36mm in diameter, the case of the Royal Oak Day Date 25594 is a beautiful twist of perspectives and size. Thanks to its slim profile, the reference 25594 hugs the wrist in a way that is comfortable yet retains its elegant silhouette. On account of the unique case shape of the Royal Oak, collectors have noticed that the mid-size versions wear larger on the wrist than their dimensions would suggest.

The piece is an excellent find for any collector looking to add a piece that combines neo-vintage charm with the instantly recognisable shape of the Royal Oak to their collection.

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

Closer look

This steel and gold, Royal Oak Day Date Ref. 25594is 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 are clearly defined on both the case and inside of the clasp, with minimal stretch to the original bracelet. The dial is also nicely preserved, and the luminous markers and hands show a closely matching tone. The winding crown is signed AP.

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