Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel Yves Klein Edition Perpetual Calendar Moonphase in Stainless Steel. The Moon phase is constructed with physical vapor deposited with metal onto sapphire. It has a subsidiary dial for the days of the week at 9 o’clock, a sub-dial at the 3 o’clock position for the days of the month, one for the months and the leap year at 12, and there is a moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock. It has an exhibition sapphire display case back secured with 8 gold screws and engraved around the perimeter where the owner can see the magnificent intricate perpetual calendar self-winding movement. There is a hexagonal winding crown, and the 39mm diameter solid three-body case, integral lugs, bracelet, and flat octagonal bezel secured by 8 hexagonal white gold screws, are polished and brushed. There are two correctors on each side of the case band.

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpétuel Yves Klein Edition Perpetual Calendar Moonphase in Stainless Steel, is a true masterpiece of horological artistry and engineering. This exceptional timepiece pays homage to the iconic Royal Oak collection while embodying the innovative spirit of the legendary artist Yves Klein.

The Moon phase of this extraordinary watch is a feat of technical brilliance. Constructed with physical vapor deposited metal onto sapphire, the moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock showcases a stunning and accurate representation of the lunar cycle. It adds an enchanting touch to the dial, drawing the observer into a celestial dance of time.

On the captivating blue dial, you’ll find a harmonious arrangement of complications, each housed in its own elegant sub-dial. At the 9 o’clock position, a subsidiary dial elegantly displays the days of the week, while at 3 o’clock, another sub-dial presents the days of the month. A further sub-dial at 12 o’clock showcases the months and leap year, showcasing the watch’s perpetual calendar feature with precise sophistication.

If one were to turn this timepiece around, the exhibition sapphire display case back would be a sight to behold. Secured with 8 gold screws, the back offers a window into the intricate and mesmerizing perpetual calendar self-winding movement. The engravings around the perimeter add a touch of exclusivity, making each watch a work of art, as unique as its owner.

The 39mm diameter solid three-body case, integral lugs, bracelet, and flat octagonal bezel secured by 8 hexagonal white gold screws boast a blend of polished and brushed finishes. The hexagonal winding crown is not only a distinctive touch but also ensures ease of use. This timepiece is designed to be as reliable and practical as it is beautiful.

It’s been almost 50 years since the creation of the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and this now classic piece is more popular than ever. First unveiled by Audemars Piguet in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, who incidentally designed the Patek Philippe Nautilus amongst others, the Royal Oak has become a cultural icon due to its distinctive features and its role as a pioneer for high-end luxury sports watches.

This example, with its striking blue dial, speaks to that approach. This seldom-seen, vibrant blue "Yves Klein" is one of the rarest AP Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Moonphase watches ever released.

Extremely Rare and Highly Collectible.

“A certain blue enters your soul,” Matisse mused. Indeed, the color blue was a common theme in the avant-garde art of the likes of Henri Matisse and Yves Klein.

Fascinated by the sky from a young age, the French painter Yves Klein spent much time developing the perfect shade of vibrant ultramarine blue because he believed it encapsulated the quality of space.

The layout of the dial includes all the traditional indications of a perpetual calendar: day, date, astronomical moon (with graduation for moon age) and month. It features original stick hands, a feature rarely found in Royal Oak watches. The sub-dials are slightly recessed, giving the dial greater depth and texture. It features the "Audemars Piguet" signature in the more modern lettering, adopted by the brand towards the end of the millennium.

It retains the more understated “Petite Tapisserie” pattern, forming the square and lozenge motif, as seen in earlier executions of the Royal Oak. Newer versions of the Royal Oak have since adopted AP’s bolder “Tapisserie Evolutive” dial pattern, less faithful to the original design. The electric blue “Yves Klein” color is complemented by crisp white indications used throughout the dial.