An ultra rare, skeletonized, automatic tantalum/18k gold wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moon phase, produced in a small limited series of only 15 pieces, this is no. 07! With original box, original certificate, operating instructions and two original Audemars Piguet hang tags. In October 2017 the watch was given a general overhaul. Case: tantalum/18k gold, screwed on glazed back, AP tantalum/gold bracelet with steel deployant clasp, bracelet length 140 mm, total length 180 mm. Dial: skeletonized, subsidiary chapter rings for the indications of the months and leap year at "12", date at "3", auxiliary seconds in combination with phases of the moon and its age at "6", weekdays at "9", black baton hands. Wikipedia explains about tantalum: "Tantalum is a rare ductile graphite-coloured shiny transition metal with a high corrosion resistance. Tantalum is used for the making of medical instruments and implants, because it does not react with bodily tissues and fluids". (Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantal, as of 09/30/2020) It seems likely that these were just the properties that convinced the designers at Audemars Piguet to use tantalum for making cases. Using unorthodox materials is a long-standing tradition with Audemars Piguet – the first Royal Oak in 1972 was one of the first luxury watches to come in a steel case. Even today the Royal Oak still comes in various different materials and their assemblies. The colour of the tantalum case and bracelet of this Royl Oak is a dark, elegant graphite grey that, depending on the light, changes between blue and anthracite – in combination with the warm gold of the bezel and the gold links of the bracelet this is quite breathtaking! The beveled parts of the surface catch the light particularly well. The complex dial is magnificent with the four gold-coloured chapter rings of the perpetual calendar displayed against the skeleton background with polished steel levers and wheels. The watch is powered by the legendary Audemars Piguet calibre 2120/2802, which was the slimmest automatic movement with perpetual calendar available at the time. It has 36 jewels, a straight line lever escapement and a hand-engraved, 21k gold skeleton rotor. On the wrist, the watch has much the same charismatic appeal as other Royal Oaks but the wearer soon realises the subtle differences in weight, finish and feel.
Case: very good. Dial: as new. Movm.: as new, capable of running.

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