
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date “Owl”, ref. 25572SA, circa 1980/90s
- Maker / attribution
- Audemars Piguet (maker)
- Date
- c. 1980/90s
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k Yellow Gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter 36 mm
- Stock no.
- CUR557
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Watches of Knightsbridge (CUR557)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date “Owl” 25572SA (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (stock number CUR557), this is a wristwatch by Audemars Piguet, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1980/90s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k Yellow Gold. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 36 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Watches of Knightsbridge
A true icon of luxury sports watch design, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date Ref. 25572SA – also known as the Owl – exemplifies the timeless appeal of Gérald Genta’s groundbreaking creation. Crafted in Audemars Piguet’s distinctive two-tone combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, this elegant reference pairs the unmistakable octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet with a beautifully balanced dial featuring day and date indications. Powered by the renowned automatic Calibre 2224/2810, the Ref. 25572SA combines exceptional mechanical craftsmanship with everyday practicality. With its harmonious blend of precious metal, iconic design, and useful complications, the Ref. 25572SA remains a standout choice for collectors seeking one of the most characterful vintage Royal Oak references.
Specifications — Watches of Knightsbridge
Reference: 25572SA; Metal: 18k Yellow Gold; Movement: Automatic; Case diameter: 36mm; Bracelet/strap: Original AP Royal Oak Two Tone Bracelet
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches
Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.
Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.
What to look for
- Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
- Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
- Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.
Dating clues
- Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
- Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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