Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2006 Reference No: 25721BA Movement No: 603'137 Case No: F44482, 0414 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal 2326/2840, 54 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet double deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch on February 26, 2006
Catalogue Essay
In the early 1990s, Audemars Piguet tasked its in-house designer Emmanuel Gueit to reinvent the classic Royal Oak model and infuse it with new life and power. For years, Gueit and his team worked on a prototype and subsequently presented the final product, reference 25721ST, in 1993 at Basel. The result was astonishing and something completely different from what the public had ever seen before. It was shortly nicknamed “The Beast” due to what was, at the time, its astonishing 42mm case size. The launch of reference 25721ST marked the beginning of the Offshore lineage. In fact, it arguably established the trend for large-sized watches, which is today is the complete norm.
The present example of "The Beast" is without a doubt a masterpiece of opulence. Dressed up in gold livery and a statement watch like few others, the yellow gold case and bracelet allow the present piece to truly emanate an aura of utmost exclusivity. Offered in pristine condition, the present piece will not fail to catch the eye of the beholder and surely be the instantaneous conversation sparker both among watch enthusiasts and laymen as well.
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.
