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Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

56323BA

£POA

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Now available, an exceptionally rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 56323BA in yellow gold, dating to circa 1994.

Through extensive research, we have been able to find just one other example of the 56323BA previously offered for sale, a blue-dial example appearing in Phillips’ Royal Oak 50th Anniversary auction. Seemingly a gem-set evolution of the reference 56175, the thinnest Royal Oak ever produced, the 56323BA takes the same wonderfully slim 33mm proportions and adds a factory diamond-set bezel alongside matching diamond hour markers.

The dial, however, is what makes this particular watch so special. Rather than the familiar Tapisserie finish, it features a flat gold-coloured surface which has developed an extraordinary natural patina. What would originally have been a more uniform gold has aged progressively around its perimeter into a deep golden brown, creating an almost vignette-like effect that is completely unique to this watch. Surrounded by the brilliant-cut diamond bezel, the result is quite beautiful. At 33mm, its proportions are wonderfully deceptive on the wrist, wearing considerably larger than the dimensions might suggest. More impressive still is its extraordinary thinness, giving the watch an elegance quite unlike almost any other Royal Oak.

Its preservation is equally remarkable. The watch remains in near new-old-stock condition and we believe it to be completely unpolished and possibly never sized. The bracelet remains exceptionally tight, showing only light signs of wear, whilst the engravings and hallmarks across the caseback and inner clasp remain extraordinarily crisp, including the all-important Gay Frères hallmark.

Coming to us as a watch only, this is a Royal Oak we are tremendously excited to have discovered. Exceptionally rare, beautifully preserved and with a dial that has developed a character entirely of its own, we look forward to continuing to learn more about this very special reference. The watch is available for viewing in London and purchase worldwide. Please get in touch for further information and pricing.