Is the Reference 25829 most special Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar?

Sought after and appreciated by enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Reference 25829 has shown massive appreciation in recent years.

What seemed to be unknown to most until very recently was that there was two tone Tantalum and Platinum variant of the 25829 with only 16 pieces were ever produced.

The interesting part is Audemars Piguet produced 25 cases for these watches but shared them among two references non sequentially - the 25829TP as well as the 25820TP. As a result, despite there only being 16 pieces of the 25829TP produced some may bear a case number between 16 and 25.

Courtesy of Phillips Auctions

Rumour has it that the 16 pieces were commissioned by a distinguised client of Audemars Piguet and businessman who wanted to have the pieces produced to gift to his executives.