製造商: Audemars Piguet 年份: 1994 型號: 25721ST.OO.1000ST.01 機芯編號: 369'381 錶殼號碼: D23813, No. 070 型號名稱: Royal Oak Offshore "The Beast" 材料: Stainless steel 機芯: Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet link bracelet, max. length 180mm 錶扣: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet folding deployant clasp 尺寸: 42mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed 配件: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract de Registre confirming the production of the present timepiece on the 25th January, 1994, Authenticity and Exclusivity Certificate and presentation box
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Collectors across the globe have admired the beauty of this “Beast” for years. A historic milestone for Audemars Piguet, Reference 25721 ST marks the beginning of the Royal Oak Offshores that we know and love today. The inspiration behind the Offshore came from one of Gerald Genta’s most iconic designs, the Royal Oak. Still in production today, the Royal Oak was first introduced to the market in 1972, during the depths of the quartz crisis. In 1989, designer Emmanuel Gueit conceptualized his ideas as an evolution from the beloved Royal Oak from its classic form into a more robust and substantial watch that is able to withstand exposure to inclement weather conditions and rough terrain. When unveiled at Basel Fair in 1993, reference 25721 was shortly thereafter nicknamed “The Beast” due to what was, at the time, its astonishing 42mm case size. The Offshore was revolutionary, and arguably, it established the trend for large-sized watches, becoming the norm in today’s modern production watches.
The present example is number 70, making it one of the earliest examples of the Offshore. Interestingly, the first 100 examples of this rare reference omit the ‘Offshore’ designation on the caseback - simply engraved ‘Royal Oak’, as seen on the present watch. The Offshore incorporated a chronograph complication with silicon caps on the pushers and crown, curved bracelet links, and a thick, visible gasket on the bezel. Its iconic, robust case with signature octogonal bezel can easily be spotted from a distance, and continues to be a favorite amongst collectors. As the only example of the first 100 Offshore’s made to ever be offered at auction, it is a rare gem. Accompanied by its presentation box and extract de registre, it will surely delight collectors who appreciate historically significant examples of iconic watches.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
