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 none 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. Offered in both precious metal and stainless steel, the present example in stainless steel with a white grande tappiserie dial is a combination to please most. With clean aesthetics and strong legibility, the subtle contrast of the silver case against the white hue of the dial is second to none. A perfect wristwatch for casual or formal wear, the versatility of the 39mm diameter case is impressive with a slim profile. Delivered with an Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archive confirming the register date of the present timepiece in 2005, it also boasts a nice and clean case with a well-preserved dial.