Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2000 Reference No: 25860IS.0.1110IS.01 Movement No: 471’453 Case No: E-29008 Model Name: Royal Oak, City of Sails, Be Happy Material: Titanium Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2385, 37 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Titanium Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Audemars Piguet folding clasp Dimensions: 39mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
When Audemars Piguet released their Royal Oak model in 1972 they introduced to the market one of the first luxury stainless steel wristwatches with fully integrated bracelet, which today has become a horological icon known for its nautical aesthetic. The Gerald Genta design with hexagonal bezel secured by eight screws is immediately recognizable around the globe, and in the ensuing 50 years the model has been issued in many iterations from time only, to perpetual calendar and chronograph timepieces like the present commemorative watch. In 2000, Audemars Piguet released the limited edition City of Sails, Be Happy edition as a celebration of the first Swiss challenger to the America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Limited to 300 timepieces, the chronograph is made from titanium a durable, but difficult metal to work with, however it is light and comfortable to wear. The watch is highlighted by its blue tapisserie dial reminiscent of the ocean, and yellow hued hour markers and hands. The case back is uniquely engraved “City of Sails” the nickname for Auckland New Zealand, which is famously known for its marine heritage.
The timepiece is consigned by the original owner Mexican racing driver Mario Domínguez (1975), who began his early career on the go-kart circuit winning three World Karting championships in Spain (1989), Italy (1990) and France (1991). Domínguez continued to develop winning the Mexican Formula Three Championship in 1998, and was named Rookie of the Year in 2002 with a Champ Car at the Honda Indy 300. He raced in the CART/CCWS championships, and in 2008 made his first appearance at the Indy Car Series. During his career Dominguez achieved two victories and thirteen podium finishes, and today remains one of Mexico’s most recognised athletes.
Mario Domínguez chose the City of Sails, Be Happy edition because the blue dial and yellow markers matched the colours of his race helmet. When the watch was first released he reached out to Audemars Piguet Mexico, and was told that due to the limited numbers it would be very difficult to get the watch, however with persistence he finally received the present timepiece, and it has been with him on the circuit ever since.
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.
Ref. 25860IS.0.1110IS.01 A fine and rare limited edition titanium chronograph wristwatch with date and bracelet, made in a limited edition of 300 pieces
2000 39mm diameter Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
