Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 2001
    Reference No: 25721BA.OO.1000BA.02
    Movement No: 495'582
    Case No: E31617 and 151
    Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore "The Beast"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet travelling pouch. Further accompanied by Extrait de Registre confirming the register date of the watch on 8th June 2001.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Royal Oak was already a disruptive and revolutionary design in the world of horology at its launch in 1972. However, in the early 1990s, Audemars Piguet tasked its in-house designer Emmanuel Gueit with the challenge of reinventing this classic collection and infusing it with new life and power.

    The result was the introduction of the Royal Oak Offshore in 1993, a model whose design and attitude were so rambunctious that it caused controversy even within Audemars Piguet itself. The first Offshore reference 25721 was shortly thereafter nicknamed "The Beast" due to its astonishing 42mm case size, which was considered massive at the time.

    The present example of "The Beast" is without a doubt a masterpiece of lavish suaveness. Its hefty yellow gold case and bracelet create a potent formula when combined with the royal blue dial, which is the most attractive and sought-after combination above all. Exclusive and opulent, the timepiece bears the philosophy in which the original Beast was designed. Furthermore, this example is particularly collectible as it was preserved in very crisp and impressive condition, with sharp hallmarks and a gleaming yellow gold bracelet.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

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895

Ref. 25721BA.OO.1000BA.02
A very heavy, well-preserved and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with blue dial, date and bracelet

2001
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 640,000 
€37,800-75,500
$41,000-82,100

Sold for HK$406,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024