Since the introduction of the very first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in 1972, the model has gained a cult-like following over the years. Designed by non-other than the acclaimed Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak takes its inspiration from a ship’s porthole, hence the naked screws on the bezel (a first of its kind at the time) and is also the firm’s first ever luxury sports watch in stainless steel fitted with an integrated bracelet. Since then, the Royal Oak has enjoyed various upgrades and complications to be featured inside the iconic case.

In 1984, Audemars Piguet merged two of their most iconic creations together, the perpetual calendar and the Royal Oak. Powered by the world’s thinnest legendary cal. 2120/2800 with a Jaeger-LeCoultre base, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar was born and was a total revelation contributing to the overcoming of the quartz crisis. Early examples of the model featured a dial with the absence of a leap year indication manufactured from 1984 to 1993, and later models produced from 1995 onwards were featured with a leap year indicator.

The reference 25820 made its appearance in 1998, powered by the cal. 2120/2802 with a leap year indication. Still iconic and traditionally designed, the case measures a comfortable 39mm in diameters and is kept thin. The model was available in various metals including gold and platinum. The present example in stainless steel features a beautiful and desirable grey tappiserie dial and is very well-preserved. Complete with the full set of accessories, including its original winding presentation box, it is a fantastic opportunity for collectors to acquire an iconic perpetual calendar wristwatch by Audemars Piguet.