Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon by Yoon and Verbal: What Collectors Need to Know
Audemars Piguet has released a 150-piece Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon in collaboration with Yoon Ahn and Verbal, the founders of Tokyo-based AMBUSH. The reference is 26643TI.OO.D002CA.01, the case is 38.5 mm titanium, and the headline detail is a red anodized aluminium flying tourbillon cage at six o'clock — a first for the Maison. If you collect AP, this is the kind of release where the watch itself is only half the story. The other half is allocation: 150 pieces, global demand, and a waiting list that will close fast.
If you already own a Royal Oak, an Offshore, or a previous Concept piece and you are thinking about freeing up capital or trading toward this release, it helps to know what your current watch may actually be worth in a clean, private transaction. Request a private offer on your current AP before you start any conversation with a retailer or AD.
The Release in Brief
This is the second 38.5 mm Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon collaboration, following the 2024 Tamara Ralph edition. The Yoon and Verbal piece keeps the same case size and interchangeable strap system but introduces a different visual identity: a partly openworked black aventurine dial that lets the new hand-wound Calibre 2982 show through, with the red tourbillon cage as the focal point.
The watch ships with two rubber straps — black and red, both with a "micro-mosaic" outer pattern and quilted interior — and a grey option is available on request. The case is water-resistant to 20 metres, with a glareproofed sapphire crystal and sapphire caseback. Power reserve is 72 hours. Movement count is 212 parts. Production is limited to 150 pieces worldwide.
Why This Release Matters for the Pre-Owned Market
Limited Royal Oak Concept collaborations have historically had a specific effect on the broader Audemars Piguet secondary market. They drive attention back to the entire Royal Oak universe. Inquiries rise on Royal Oak Selfwinding pieces, Offshore models, and earlier Concept references because new collectors discover the brand through the press cycle while existing owners reconsider their collections.
Two practical consequences for owners:
- Demand for clean, well-documented Royal Oaks tends to firm up in the weeks following a major AP release.
- Owners weighing a trade or upgrade often find that requesting a real offer now gives them a stronger position than waiting.
What This Means If You Want the Yoon and Verbal Piece
Audemars Piguet does not publish retail pricing for the Concept line. Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon references typically sit well into six figures at market, and limited collaborations carry an additional premium. Allocation goes through Audemars Piguet boutiques and approved partners, and 150 pieces split across global demand means most interested collectors will not receive a retail offer.
For most buyers, the realistic path looks like one of three options:
- An existing AP relationship strong enough to secure a boutique allocation.
- Acquiring the watch on the secondary market once examples surface, typically at a meaningful premium.
- Trading or selling current pieces to fund either route above.
If you are in option two or three, knowing what your existing watch is worth is the first move. Submit your current AP for a private offer before you commit to anything.
What Affects Audemars Piguet Trade-In Value
Whether you own a Royal Oak 15500, a Royal Oak Offshore, a previous Concept reference, or a non-AP piece you are considering moving, the same factors drive what a buyer can offer:
- Reference number and production era. Discontinued references, early production runs, and specific dial variations can carry premiums or discounts relative to current production.
- Condition. Original finishing on the case and bracelet matters more on AP than on most brands. Polish history, bracelet stretch, sharp bevels, and dial condition all influence the offer.
- Box and papers. Original packaging, warranty card, AP service history, and any boutique receipts strengthen the offer and reduce buyer risk.
- Originality. Aftermarket parts, non-AP servicing, or replaced components affect what a serious buyer can pay.
- Current market demand. The AP secondary market moves. Offers reflect what real buyers are paying that week, not what asking prices look like online.
Trade-In, Direct Sale, or Private Sale: What Makes Sense Right Now
| Option | Best For | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Direct private offer | Owners who want a fast, clean transaction with no platform fees or tire-kickers | Offer reflects buyer margin, so it may be below private asking prices |
| Trade-in toward another watch | Collectors moving from one piece to another without exposing capital | Inventory has to align with what you want |
| Private sale (Chrono24, eBay, forums) | Sellers with time, comfort negotiating, and risk tolerance | Listing fees, payment risk, shipping risk, time on market |
| Consignment | Patient sellers who can wait months for the right buyer | No guaranteed timeline or final number |
Limited AP releases create a real timing question. If your goal is to be in position for a piece like the Yoon and Verbal Concept — or the next collaboration after it — a private offer gives you a real number to act on inside a few days rather than the open-ended timeline of a public listing.
How the Process Works at Timepiece Trade In
The process is built for owners of high-value timepieces who do not want a public listing on a marketplace:
- Submit details and photos of the watch through the instant offer page.
- Receive a private offer based on current market data and the condition described.
- If you accept, complete authentication and verification through a secure, insured process.
- Receive payment.
No public listing. No buyer messaging. No platform fees deducted from the final number. See what your AP may be worth today.
What to Prepare Before Requesting an Offer
- Clear, in-focus photos of the dial, case profile, caseback, bracelet or strap, clasp, and any engravings.
- Reference number and serial number.
- Warranty card, original receipt, service history, and any extra links or tags.
- An honest note on any condition issues, prior polish, or non-original parts.
The more accurate the information at submission, the closer the initial number will be to the final offer after physical inspection. Final offers can shift after authentication, and any serious buyer will be transparent about why.
Final Thought
The Royal Oak Concept Yoon and Verbal is a snapshot of where Audemars Piguet is right now: building cultural bridges, leaning into limited production, and giving collectors fewer ways in. Whether you are trying to position for this release, the next one, or simply rebalancing a collection, the cleanest first move is knowing what your existing pieces are actually worth in a private transaction.
Request a private offer on your Audemars Piguet or learn more about Timepiece Trade In.
FAQ
How much does the Royal Oak Concept Yoon and Verbal cost?
Audemars Piguet does not publish retail pricing for Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon references. As a 150-piece limited collaboration in titanium with a flying tourbillon, market pricing is expected to sit well into six figures, with a premium typical of limited AP collaborations on the secondary market.
Can I trade in my current Royal Oak toward another watch?
Yes. Many AP owners move between references rather than holding indefinitely. A direct trade-in lets you apply the value of your current piece toward another watch without exposing capital to a public sale process.
Will my Audemars Piguet be worth more if I wait?
AP secondary market prices move in both directions. Specific references behave differently. A current private offer gives you a real number to compare against waiting, rather than guessing at future market conditions.
Do I need the original box and papers to sell my AP?
No, but they help. A full set with box, warranty card, receipt, and service history typically supports a stronger offer because it reduces buyer risk. Watches without papers still trade — they are just evaluated more conservatively.
Is it safe to sell a high-value watch like an Audemars Piguet online?
It can be, when the process uses insured shipping, verified payment, and authentication. The risk profile is much higher on open marketplaces, where chargeback fraud, shipping disputes, and tire-kickers are common. A direct private offer removes most of that exposure.
How long does the trade-in process take?
Once details and photos are submitted, an initial offer is typically returned quickly. Final payment follows authentication after the watch arrives via insured shipping. Total timeline is usually a matter of days, not weeks.
