Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1998 Reference No: 25721TI.OO.1000TI.01 Movement No: 461’639 Case No: E1188, No. 59 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore, “The Beast” Material: Titanium Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Titanium Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Delivered with an Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming its register date for the present timepiece on 9th July 1998.
Catalogue Essay
In 1993, the Le Brassus based firm released the Royal Oak Offshore chronograph featuring a pumped up case dimension measuring 42mm diameter with a much bolder appeal to cater towards the contemporary demand for larger wristwatches, hence earning its nickname “The Beast”.
In 1998, Audemars Piguet released a series of Royal Oak Offshore chronographs made in titanium which was released after the scarcely produced platinum Offshore. With a contrast, the Titanium Offshore was one of the lightest examples of the model produced with two dial variants, ashen gray and a white dial with blue registers. The reference was discontinued in 2003.
The present Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721TI.OO.1000TI.01 “Titanium Beast” with an “E” serial from 1998, is one of the earliest examples of the reference. Offered in excellent overall condition, the watch is also delivered with an Extract from the Archives issued by Audemars Piguet confirming its register date with its corresponding case and movement numbers. While early Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepieces are growing in demand, this is perhaps a perfect opportunity to secure an early example of this beloved reference.
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.