# @sothebyswatches on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CktUKMprobR
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/12828237-sothebyswatches-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/6de2d38d26.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-11-08T17:17:38.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Sotheby's Watches (@sothebyswatches) — https://gondola.cc/sothebyswatches

## Caption

The pink gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Barrichello II was launched in 2006, a tribute to its namesake in a limited edition of 500 pieces. One would be forgiven for mistaking this, the present watch Reference 26078, for simply one of those 500 – upon closer inspection one will notice that this is not the case.
 
Instead of bearing the standard numbering (XX/500) the case back inscribed ‘PR01’ designating the watch as a prototype. The watch harbours a further secret: rather than being cased in pink gold, this prototype is cased in steel which has then been pink gold plated. These fascinating and rare details are confirmed in a letter that accompanies the watch, dated 2011. The letter clearly states that the watch is a prototype model made for exhibition and is not part of the standard Audemars Piguet collection.
 
This is then a potentially a one-of-a-kind opportunity for any collector. Not only to acquire an incredibly rare and possibly unique variant of the Royal Oak – the very year of the model’s 50th Anniversary no less – but also an object that takes a peek behind the curtain of one of the world’s most famous watchmakers. 
 
A highlight of the ‘Important Watches’ live auction on 9 November as part of #SothebysLuxuryWeek. Visit the link in bio to view the full catalogue.

Photo by specialist m_a_n_e_g_a

#SothebysWatches #AudemarsPiguet #AudemarsPiguetRoyalOak

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## Tags

audemarspiguetroyaloak, sothebysluxuryweek, audemarspiguet, sothebyswatches

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