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Peter (pfang56) presents a unique dilemma for Audemars Piguet collectors: whether two highly similar, yet distinct, ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendars can coexist in a single collection. His post invites the community to weigh in on the aesthetic and historical considerations of owning both the groundbreaking 26579CE and the more recent 26585CE skeletonized variant. This discussion explores the nuances of collecting within a specific reference, highlighting the subtle differences that can justify or preclude redundancy for discerning enthusiasts.
Looking for feedback from fellow forum members. Following the extremely fortunate opportunity to get a 26585CE I am now wondering if this and the original 26579CE can co-exist in the same collection. I understand the history and the importance of the 26579CE being the first all ceramic piece, but would love to hear other people's feedback. Alternative is to look for Concept pieces
Cheers
Peter
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 26579
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Reference 26579
The reference 26579 represents Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Selfwinding in a 41mm configuration, positioning it within the brand's contemporary automatic collection. This reference features a blue dial combined with stainless steel construction, offering the Royal Oak Selfwinding in an accessible precious metal alternative.
The 41mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 4302 movement, providing a 70-hour power reserve. The watch features a fixed octagonal bezel characteristic of the Royal Oak design, complemented by sapphire crystal protection. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is completed with a matching steel bracelet.
Produced from 2022 onward, the reference 26579 appeals to collectors seeking a modern Royal Oak Selfwinding with substantial wrist presence and extended power reserve capabilities. The blue dial configuration provides visual distinction within the selfwinding range, while the steel construction offers durability for regular wear. This reference serves collectors prioritizing contemporary Audemars Piguet craftsmanship in the established Royal Oak format.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 4302
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26579CE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Perpetual Calendar, reference 26585CE, represents a contemporary expression of the brand's expertise in both high complications and material innovation. Positioned within the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar series, this reference distinguishes itself through its fully skeletonized movement and the use of a black ceramic case and bracelet, offering a modern aesthetic combined with traditional horological artistry.
This timepiece features a 41mm black ceramic case and bracelet, housing the self-winding Caliber 5135. The movement is entirely openworked, showcasing the intricate perpetual calendar mechanism and the haute horlogerie finishing, including numerous inward angles. The dial is a sapphire disc with applied hour markers and subdials for the day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase indications.
For collectors, the 26585CE is significant for its blend of Audemars Piguet's historical mastery of skeletonization with the durability and distinctive appearance of ceramic. It appeals to those who appreciate both the technical complexity of a perpetual calendar and the visual depth of an openworked movement, presented in a robust and contemporary material.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 5135
- Case
- Black ceramic
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Sapphire (openworked)
- Water Resist.
- 20 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26585CE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked reference 26585CE represents a significant offering within the brand's contemporary Royal Oak collection. This model combines the established perpetual calendar complication with an openworked dial and movement architecture, presented in a ceramic case. It caters to collectors interested in both high complications and modern material applications within the Royal Oak lineage. The openworked design allows for direct visual engagement with the intricate mechanics of the perpetual calendar.
This reference features a black ceramic case and bracelet, providing a distinct aesthetic and tactile experience compared to its metal counterparts. The openworked dial reveals the self-winding caliber 5135, which offers a power reserve of 40 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch maintains a water resistance suitable for daily wear. The case diameter measures 41mm, consistent with many modern Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar models.
The 26585CE appeals to collectors who appreciate technical transparency and the use of advanced materials in watchmaking. Its ceramic construction offers scratch resistance and a unique presence on the wrist. As an openworked perpetual calendar, it occupies a prominent position within Audemars Piguet's complicated offerings, distinguishing itself from solid-dial versions through its skeletonized presentation of the movement.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 5135
- Case
- Black ceramic
- Diameter
- 41mm
- Dial
- Openworked
- Water Resist.
- 20m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
Key Points from the Discussion
- From an aesthetic standpoint, the 26579CE and 26585CE are nearly identical due to their shared case, bracelet, and similar dial tones, prompting the question of whether a collector prefers multiple versions of the same watch or a more diverse collection.
- The skeletonized 26585CE offers a significant upgrade in finishing and skeletonization compared to the original 26579CE, making it a natural preference for those seeking a ceramic perpetual calendar, despite potential legibility differences.
- While the watches share many similarities, there are sufficient differentiations to justify owning both, particularly considering the 26579CE's historical significance as Audemars Piguet's first all-ceramic piece.
- Despite the aesthetic similarities, some collectors would find the key differences between the two references compelling enough to keep both, acknowledging their individual special qualities.
- A collector who values diversity in their collection might opt to keep one of the ceramic perpetual calendars and seek a different model to expand their collection, rather than owning two very similar pieces.
- The author ultimately decided to keep both ceramic perpetual calendars, having found that a larger Concept piece did not suit his wrist, and appreciating the distinct qualities of each Royal Oak.
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