Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST vs Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B
| Specification | Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST | Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Audemars Piguet | Blancpain |
| Collection | Royal Oak | Villeret |
| Reference | 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01 | 6656-3642-55B |
| Category | Perpetual Calendar | Perpetual Calendar |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | Audemars Piguet 5134 | Caliber 5939A |
| Power Reserve | 40h | 72h |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph | 28,800 vph |
| Case Diameter | 41.0mm | 42.0mm |
| Case Thickness | 9.5mm | 12.7mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | 18k Rose Gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 20m / 66ft | 30m / 98ft |
| Weight | 168g | 92g |
| MSRP | $78,600 | $55,400 |
| Market Price | $85,000 | $45,000 |
In-Depth Comparison
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.
Heritage And Brand Prestige
Audemars Piguet and Blancpain are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Royal Oak reference was introduced in 2015, while this Villeret reference debuted in 2014. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.
Movement And Mechanics
At the heart of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST beats the Audemars Piguet 5134 caliber offering a 40-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 38 jewels. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B is powered by the Caliber 5939A with a 72-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 30 jewels. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B wins on power reserve with a 32-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.
Dimensions And Wearability
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST features a 41.0mm case at 9.5mm thick with a 50.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B comes in at 42.0mm and 12.7mm thick with 49.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from 18k Rose Gold. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 92g, the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B is the lighter of the two.
Materials And Construction
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed, polished, double stepped bezel. On the wrist, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST comes on a Stainless steel bracelet with AP fold-over clasp, while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B is fitted with Brown alligator leather strap featuring 18k rose gold folding clasp.
Water Resistance And Capability
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST is rated to 20m / 66ft and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B to 30m / 98ft. For water sports and diving, the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B provides superior depth capability.
Pricing And Value
At retail, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST lists for $78,600 compared to $55,400 for the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B. The Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B is the more accessible option at MSRP, saving $23,200 at retail. On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST trades around $85,000 while the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B commands approximately $45,000. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST trades at a 8% premium over retail, indicating strong demand and investment potential.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar 26574ST and the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For value-conscious buyers, the Blancpain Villeret Quantième Perpétuel 6656-3642-55B delivers excellent quality at a lower price point. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.