Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 6009BA Yves Klein dial

AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 6009BA

Yellow Gold | Yves Klein dial

Origin

The Audemars Piguet Manufacture was founded in 1875 in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux, by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward August Piguet. Two young entrepreneurs grown up in the cradle of fine watchmaking in the Swiss Jura, born into a generation of watchmakers and passioned about rare complications and their horological roots.

From the early days on, Audemars Piguet produced some fine mechanical timepieces such as minute-repeaters, perpetual calendars and ultra-thin self-winding movements, receiving recognition from far beyond the valley. By the 1970’s the Swiss manufacturer was already well established amongst connoisseurs alike, but it was during the following years of the quartz crisis that the watch brand made itself immortal.

While most traditional watchmakers were struggling to stay relevant, Audemars Piguet shook the market with a bold move: the introduction of the Royal Oak in 1972 at Baselworld – the first luxury sports watch in steel, created by the legendary designer Gérald Genta.

It has been estimated that a mere thousand Swiss watch companies did not survive the quartz crisis – with two thirds of the workforce being laid off – yet Audemars Piguet documentation shows that the yearly production increased from 9,500 to 11,000 pieces during those years (1974-1984). This revolutionary success can be greatly attributed to the Royal Oak line, an instant icon made to last.

The Watch

This rectangular Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an exceptionally rare quartz watch, stretching far beyond the limits of its classic status with a dial as striking as the watch is unorthodox at heart.

The splendid yellow gold case measures 28,5mm by 38,5mm. The design of this gamechanger was inspired by vintage diving helmets with exposed mounting screw heads in their case architecture.

The Royal Oak here at hand is state-of-the-art in all its essence. As a statement on the wrist, with an electrifying blue dial – it is as if Lapis Lazuli and golden hour are ticking time together. The watch face is known amongst collectors as the Audemars Piguet ‘Yves Klein’ dial, referring to the French Nouveau réalisme painter and monochromist recognized for the use of a distinctive ultramarine hue.

The dial is executed in a Petite Tapisserie pattern, known as a square and lozenge motif, a signature choice for the Royal Oak collection. It features contrasting baton hands, gold markers and the Audemars Piguet logo at 12.

Audemars Piguet is written on the dial in an old font, underling the vintage feel of this Yves Klein Royal Oak. An integrated component bracelet in matching yellow gold with deployant clasp and ‘AP’ signed clasp cover provides secure comfortability and delicate hand-finishing, that was earlier unseen on durable sport watches.

An example of the exquisite finishing is the ‘quartz’ engraving on the caseback of the watch. Its ultra-thin profile in combination with the flat sapphire crystal and rounded edges of the case, extending to the profile of the bracelet, give this piece a very elegant look. This is only enhanced by the varied textures of the watch – polished notches and an overall brushed finish – with its angular, bevelled and polished edges throughout.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been produced mainly in bicolor editions, a fashion choice in the eighties. Hence, this edition in yellow gold with seldom seen Yves Klein dial is a highly collectible piece and a style statement in one.

The Movement

Quartz was used for the first time in the 70s and revolutionized the notions of horological precision. The original Audemars Piguet quartz movement, calibre 2502, is based on a regulator, the time-measuring element, consisting of a quartz crystal through which an electric current is passed. Time is divided into equal intervals by this resonator, vibrating at an exceptional high frequency (32’768 Hz).

Condition

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 6009BA is in very good condition. Both the watch and its integrated bracelet are in good condition. It comes with the original papers and manual.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. 

Reference	6009 BA
Movement	Quartz
Caliber	Calibre 2502
Dial	Yves Klein Blue
Size (Case)	28mm x 38mm
Material (Case)	Yellow gold
Bracelet	Yellow gold
Glass	Sapphire
Condition	Very good
Year	1994
Papers	Yes
Box	AP Service box
Warranty	2 years