Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 25860ST

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph 26860ST White Dial

Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces. The 25860 ST was launched in 1998, and was the only chronograph to be made in the Royal Oak case (aside from the Emmanuel Gueit designed Offshore chronograph which was released in 1993). Featuring an F. Piguet movement, the 25860 was available in a myriad of color combinations and case materials. Also known as the 'Kasparov', it is christened after and a favorite of, the Chess grand master Garry Kasporov. Brand : Audemars Piguet Dimensions : 39mm Model : Royal Oak Chronograph Movement : Automatic cal. 2385 Reference : 25860ST Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet Year : Circa early 2000s Condition : Very Good Material : Stainess steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : White THE DIAL A classic example of the Audemars Piguet tapisserie dial, showcased here in a bright silver that serves to perfectly complement its equally bright and impressive stainless steel construction. THE CONSTRUCTION Angular and geometric, the Royal Oak design by Gerald Genta has become a bona fide icon. This example retains all the sharp finishings that Audemars Piguet is known for. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.