The Royal Oak Chronograph reference 25860 was introduced by Audemars Piguet in 1997 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Royal Oak. Paying tribute to the iconic “Jumbo”, it retains the original 39mm case. During this era of expertise in ultra-thin watchmaking, Audemars Piguet achieved a remarkable feat by integrating one of the thinnest self-winding chronograph movements of its time, the calibre 2385.

This well-preserved example features a highly desirable blue dial, arguably the most sought-after color among collectors. While earlier production models showcased a "petite tapisserie" pattern, this reference flaunts a "grand tapisserie" pattern, offering a larger and more contemporary aesthetic. Additionally, the folding clasp has been upgraded to feature the signature "AP" logo, a detail highly coveted by collectors and no longer found on current Royal Oak models, further enhancing its appeal.

Moreover, this reference gained significant popularity as a tribute to the renowned chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who wore this watch during his professional games. Notably, he would remove it from his wrist before making his final winning moves. As an Audemars Piguet brand ambassador, the watch has affectionately been nicknamed "Kasparov" by collectors, solidifying its status as a favorite within the Royal Oak Chronograph lineage.