Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2004 Reference No: 25967BC Movement No: 570'041 Case No: E73494, 227 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: 18K white gold and diamond-set Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold and diamond-set Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
According to the archives of Audemars Piguet, the present watch, set with 264 diamonds for a total of circa 2.89 carats, was sold in 2004
Not only has the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak practically invented the segment of the luxury sport's watch in general. More specifically, for the brand, the model has served as an incredibly versatile "sandbox" with which to experiment over different materials, complications, colors and technical solutions.
This exquisite and impressive representative of the family is indeed one of the most remarkable results of such experimenting. On an intellectual level, it can be said that the present watch pushes to its boundaries the concept of the luxury sport's watch: the chronograph is the ultimate sport complication, and the diamond-setting can be considered as the ultimate level of luxury. While intellectually stimulating, such a juxtaposition is far from easily - and tastefully - achieved, but Audemars Piguet managed to merge these two apparently immiscible souls with equal class and panache as it originally did in 1972.
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.