Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2011 Reference No: 25960OR Movement No: 783'363 Case No: H33048.3515 Model Name: Royal Oak Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity stamped Oct 09, 2013. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo co-signed Royal Oak 50th Anniversary Attestation.
Catalogue Essay
Pink gold is one of the four classic metals historically employed for watch cases (the other three being white gold, yellow gold and platinum). However, a true "cult" following of this material developed only in recent years: its warm glow has been rediscovered and what was until the last century a seldom employed -and even less often appreciated - metal, is now counted as one of the most sought-after case materials to be found on a timepiece. The hue of the metal is often paired with a chocolate dial, but in this instance Audemars Piguet went off the beaten track and endowed the piece with a dial in a particular dark-grey hue. While offering a welcome change from the often seen pink gold/chocolate dial combo, the color chosen perfectly merges with the rose gold case, granting the watch an astounding sporty suaveness.
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.