Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Year: 1997
Reference No: 25831ST.OO.1110ST.01
Movement No: 386’157
Case No: D92171
Model Name: Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon 25th Anniversary
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal 2875, 41 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 215mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming that this watch entered their archives on September 18th, 1997.
Catalogue Essay
When Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak in 1972, nobody immediately understood the disruptive power of a model which was destined to truly change the face of the luxury watch market, and whose effects still reverberates today.

Twenty-five years later, however, the impact of the Royal Oak was more than apparent, and Audemars Piguet celebrated this anniversary with an extremely rarefied series of absolutely outstanding timepieces. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Automatique 25th Anniversary was realized in 46 examples overall in pink gold, yellow gold, platinum, stainless steel and one example in pink and white gold made for the Sultan of Brunei; only 25 pieces in steel ever left the factory.

Beyond its absolute rarity, the ultra-thin movement itself was a remarkable feat of engineering, and it remained for a long time the only automatic tourbillon movement to be found in a Royal Oak. In order to achieve this combination, a number of technical solutions were developed, such as the use of a bumper rotor: the tourbillon cage would impede the full revolution of a normal rotor. Another interesting feature is the crown placed on the caseback, which allows the absolute balance and symmetry of the dial to overflow to the case as well.

Preserved in excellent overall condition, the stunning combination of vibrant salmon dial and utilitarian steel case and bracelet is one of the most desirable found in wristwatches since the earliest part of the century. This 25th Anniversary Royal Oak remains as relevant in technical achievements as it does in aesthetic appeal at its 50th anniversary.
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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