Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26522OR Tourbillon Trade

@Patek_Ambassador · 2019-10-21T17:36:48Z

Should @Patek_Ambassador trade his collection for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26522OR Tourbillon? Community weighs in on consolidating for a grail watch, market value, and versatility.

@Patek_Ambassador

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

20 replies5876 views4 photos

@Patek_Ambassador seeks advice on a significant trade: his entire current collection plus $20k cash for a new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 26522OR Tourbillon in full rose gold with a blue dial. This post delves into the complex decision-making process of consolidating a collection for a single 'grail' piece.

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I am in love with the Royal Oak 26522OR Tourbillon in full rose gold with the blue dial. I can trade my current collection which consists of a full rose gold 26331OR Royal Oak Chronograph (estimated value $50K), stainless 15400ST boutique blue dial Royal Oak (estimates value $27k), a Patek Philippe Calatrava 5296G in white gold (estimated value $19k), Ulysse Nardin Marine Maxi in rose gold (estimated value $12k). The overall deal would be my aforementioned collection worth approximately $108k PLUS $20k cash.

Photos of it...the Royal Oak full rose gold Tourbillon blue dial are attached below.... it doesn’t look great in the photos because it is still wrapped in plastic as it’s brand new. This is a real grail. Funny how I thought every previous watch I bought was a grail...but this one really is.

Thoughts? Should I do it?

Market snapshot

As of today, 1821 Audemars Piguet listings are live on the eBay market and 1477 collector listings on the WatchProSite marketplace.

Key Points from the Discussion

Consolidating multiple watches for a single 'grail' piece can be a rewarding experience, especially if the new acquisition is truly special and worn frequently, though it may lead to future acquisitions to diversify the collection.
A tourbillon, especially in a sports watch like the Royal Oak, might not be versatile enough for all activities, and trading an entire collection for it could lead to missing the variety of watches suitable for different occasions.
The Royal Oak's core DNA is often considered to be time-only or chronograph models in steel, making a full gold tourbillon a departure that might not serve as an ideal sole watch.
If previous watches were also considered 'grails,' there's a risk that the new tourbillon might eventually lose its 'grail' status, leading to future desires for trades.
The proposed trade, especially with an additional $20k cash, is viewed by some as a better deal for the seller than the buyer, suggesting the value proposition for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon might be too high.
Trading an entire collection for one watch often leads to 'boredom with THE ONE' and missing 'THE MANY,' as individual watches hold unique stories and sentimental value.
Owning a tourbillon as a sole watch can be 'committing' and impractical for daily wear, with some collectors finding they rarely wore theirs and eventually sold it.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon in rose gold, while stunning, is considered very expensive at $128,000, especially when stainless versions are closer to $90,000 and these watches are not selling quickly.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Oct 21, 2019

I am very much a "less is more" individual.

But here, I would not do it. I never last with colored gold models, so I would chase something different if proceeding in this direction.

@Patek_Ambassador

Oct 21, 2019

Thanks for your input Michael. I’m a new member but have read your insight on here for years and value your thoughts.

MichaelC

Oct 21, 2019

My pleasure, and thank you.

These questions are never easy, but good for you to ask for input. We have all been there!

FabR

Oct 21, 2019

Follow your heart (and brain) as this is a very personal decision, plus I'm really no AP expert...BUT, just a few days ago you posted a picture of a (really stunning) chrono...

If that's so quickly no longer your grail, are you positive this tourbillon really will be? Again, it's your decision, but I would hardly bet all my money on one horse, unless I'm *really* sure that horse will win many, many races. Otherwise, how easily can you resell this (certainly beautiful) horse without losing? Cheers.

@Patek_Ambassador

Oct 21, 2019

I can completely see myself offloading this to put towards a Royal Oak Grand Sonnerie, haha. Just kidding. But I’m considering it. Perhaps trying it on today and seeing the beating heart of the tourbillon really opened my eyes,it is special. I don’t know.

HorologyMiami

Oct 21, 2019

Too much $

I love the idea of consolidating everything into one piece (quality > quantity) but think that $128,000 is VERY expensive for this watch. The stainless versions are closer to $90,000 right now. I don’t think the $20k on top is a smart move these watches are sitting...