ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
21 November 2021, 11:11 AM | #1 |
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Incoming 25636BA QP Openworked
I haven’t posted in a long while nor have I celebrated my recent incomings on here, but this is a special one that I think some like-minded folks may enjoy.
The 25636BA is a sight to behold. It’s the very first openworked QP in a Royal Oak case, runs on the fabled 2120/2800 movement, and is absolutely perfect on the wrist at a mere 39mm. All the QPs in AP’s contemporary catalog are 41mms and are also thicker. I love the 41mms for the presence and legibility but with a 6.25” wrist, the 39mms like the Jumbo are always a better fit. AP also does not make an openworked QP in precious metal today…the closest being the 26585CE in ceramic, which is IMO the absolute #1 most beautiful AP watch today and a holy grail of mine. I’ve been in love with this brand for a long time and this acquisition was significant for me because the 25636BA pulls together everything that is quintessentially Audemars Piguet. It’s a QP, Royal Oak, on a bracelet, in precious metal, 39mm, thin, and most importantly, openworked. I have always had a fascination with open dials and you can actually see through this watch! Wanted to also share some fun facts. The 25636 was produced between 1983-1993 and sold between 1986-1996. I believe this is how most watches are in general because production takes time. As collectors, we often forget that. In total, there were 264 examples of 25636s made — 126 in yellow gold (what mine is), 52 in steel, 49 in two-tone, 34 in platinum, and 3 in rose gold. Over the years, I’ve seen the steel, two-tone and platinum examples come up several times at auction and as much as I love them, I do think they can sometimes be a bit monotone and I felt the yellow gold was the warmest, liveliest, and most “period-correct”. There’s probably a good reason why it accounted for 48% of total production. The other interesting part about the 25636 is that it is a non-leap year version, so you can’t tell what the leap year cycle is from the dial. There may be a way to tell based on the cross in the month wheel but I’ll need to confirm. In 1989, the 25636BA retailed for $47,500. Not sure if AP reps gave discounts then, but it would have been the equivalent of about $105K today. IMO the current market does not understand this watch just yet. If you look at auction results, later leap-year openworked AP ROs like the 25829s from the 1990s regularly fetch stratospheric prices as do contemporary QP limited edition ROs, but the earlier 25636 is still massively undervalued. I believe that with the RO 50th anniversary looming and the overall increased interest in the brand, collectors will start to take notice. In terms of a wrist review, it is just sublime. It’s absolutely perfect on my wrist and it just puts off special vintage vibes. I’ve left some pictures below, hope they come through — they are of the watch in different settings and different lighting. It’s very hard to photograph this watch! If you even read my post up to here, I applaud you. I love this watch and could speak for hours about it. The journey to acquire it was fraught with multiple challenges and it took a long time to consummate. Thankfully, I had help from other experienced vintage collectors as well as passionate people from the brand itself. Words cannot describe how incredibly humbled I am to own a piece of AP history. Thanks for reading!
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21 November 2021, 11:46 AM | #2 |
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insane piece, you don't see these often. congrats
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21 November 2021, 12:16 PM | #3 |
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That's amazing, and nice story! Enjoy it!
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21 November 2021, 12:31 PM | #4 |
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My goodness, what a watch! Thanks for sharing with us.
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21 November 2021, 01:15 PM | #5 |
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Heavy hitter. Wow
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21 November 2021, 02:24 PM | #6 |
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That is simply exquisite.
Congratulations Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk |
21 November 2021, 04:20 PM | #7 |
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I Love It! Congratulations!
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21 November 2021, 05:37 PM | #8 |
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Are you lebanese or just eating in a lebanese restaurant? Congrats on the amazing watch!
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21 November 2021, 07:13 PM | #9 |
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Sunning…showstopper.
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21 November 2021, 09:05 PM | #10 |
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21 November 2021, 09:52 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
Love your style of writing it kept me wanting to learn more about a watch i knew nothing about. Amazing pick up and theres no greater feeling then the hunt and the capture of finding your watch! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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21 November 2021, 09:57 PM | #12 |
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Craz, timeless piece. I believe that’s what Pharrell wore in the Frontin video about 18 years ago, before AP was part of the pop culture lexicon.
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21 November 2021, 10:44 PM | #13 |
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Congratulations. Absolutely amazing piece!!!!
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21 November 2021, 11:01 PM | #14 |
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Great watch, congrats
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21 November 2021, 11:22 PM | #15 |
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Congratulations. A beautiful watch.
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21 November 2021, 11:48 PM | #16 |
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Holy smokes, congrats!
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21 November 2021, 11:54 PM | #17 |
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Stunning!
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22 November 2021, 01:28 AM | #18 |
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Congrats again, my friend! Absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to see it in person. Wear and enjoy in the best of health.
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22 November 2021, 02:46 AM | #19 |
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Very nice! Enjoy
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22 November 2021, 04:21 AM | #20 |
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Incredible
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22 November 2021, 05:10 AM | #21 |
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One of the greatest!
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22 November 2021, 05:47 AM | #22 |
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wow, congrats
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22 November 2021, 06:12 AM | #23 |
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Congratulations, amazing piece.
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22 November 2021, 07:18 AM | #24 |
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Incoming 25636BA QP Openworked
Congratulations!
Another wonderful watch
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22 November 2021, 08:39 AM | #25 |
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Wow! Definitely a special one. Congrats and wear in good health!
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22 November 2021, 08:42 AM | #26 |
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Now that is an incoming! Congrats!
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22 November 2021, 03:47 PM | #27 |
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Huge congratulations
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24 November 2021, 08:35 AM | #28 |
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Stunning, congrats...and thank you for the write-up, I enjoyed every word.
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25 November 2021, 12:55 AM | #29 |
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Big congrats - looks epic!
Well researched, enjoyed the history. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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