There’s more than one way to make a Day-Date. ‘80s Audemars Piguet, they had a more classic idea of what a Day-Date should be, which included a moonphase, ultra-thin 33.5mm case that’s only 8mm thin, short curved lugs, white enamel dial, blued steel day and date hands, and restrained fonts.
The 25589 was introduced as an alternative to the QP ref. 25657, sharing a similar case design but simplifying the complication. This came by way of an automatic caliber 2825, the same as in the Royal Oak Day-Date, based on a JLC ébauche. Because this watch is almost entirely enamel dial, with a very thin bezel, it does wear mil or two larger than its size would suggest.
The best bit of this watch is that it includes a nod to their own history, with the ‘block font’ signature at 12 rather than the mixed caps Audemars Piguet that was already well in use by this time. It’s a detail that differentiates Royals Oaks consistently, one which Audemars Piguet collectors will and do appreciate. Later produced iterations of this reference did changed to the mixed caps signature, marking this out as an earlier production. Many of these dials will start to warm slightly over time with sun exposure, this one is only just starting to. It’s a Day-Date focused on sheer elegance.
