Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 25770SN Movement No: 482'156 Case No: E21706.172 and 172/500 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore "End of Days" Material: PVD-coated stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Fabric Clasp/Buckle: PVD-coated stainless steel Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Origin and Guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging
Catalogue Essay
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was the firm’s answer to the ever changing taste of the modern collector of fine timepieces. The original Royal Oak was introduced in 1972, in one of the most iconoclastic marketing moves to ever be seen in this (or any) industry. However, by the 1990s, the model had become already a classic. The Offshore, introduced in 1993, features a much larger and thicker case dimension and was first released as a chronograph wristwatch with date, navy blue dial and an integrated bracelet, with a an oversized case measuring 42mm in diameter. It was designed to appeal to a younger, more modern category of collectors in comparison to those catered for by its more restrained older brother.
The “End of Days” edition was launched as a limited edition of 500 pieces in 1999, to commemorate or welcome the new millennium marking the end of the 20th century. With a PVD coated stainless steel case, the watch is further fitted with a black dial matching the case featuring zesty yellow luminous numerals and hands.
The present example numbered 172 is presented in practically “as-new” overall condition and accompanied by its original accessories.
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.
Ref. 25770SN A rare and very attractive PVD-coated stainless steel automatic chronograph wristwatch with date, number 172 of a 500 pieces limited edition
Circa 2000 42mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
