Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 25860ST, 'Kasparov'

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no surprise that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world. While the initial 5402 was time-only, AP quickly began to capitalize on the success of the Royal Oak and begin to integrate other complications and variations into this case. Which leads us to the Royal Oak that we have here, a modern example dating to circa the 2000s. Nicknamed the 'Kasparov' after the famous chess player and AP ambassador , Gary Kasparov, was repeatedly seen wearing this reference, it is the very first Royal Oak Chronograph. The case comes in with a nicely-sized 39mm diameter — the same as the original 'Jumbo,' albeit not quite as svelte, but it does make for a versatile wearing experience. Of course, it comes fitted with the characteristic integrated steel bracelet with a signed locking clasp and the equally characteristic steel bezel. Additionally, being a chronograph, it also features screw-down chronograph pushers as well as a screw-down crown on the right case profile. Inside, the navy blue 'micro-tapisserie' dial features 'concentric' subsidiary registers, applied Luminova-filled indices, a date aperture at the 4:30 position, and a matching white-painted Luminova handset. Furthermore, t his piece comes complete with its inner and outer boxes, books, serialized hangtag, and guarantee papers.