Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 25721TI
    Movement No: 488'149
    Case No: 559, E39’880
    Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore "The Beast"
    Material: Titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2226/2840, 54 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Titanium Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 42mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Certificat d'Origine, presentation box and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming the register date of the watch on 6th June 2000.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the 1990s, Audemars Piguet set their maverick designer Emmanuel Gueit an audacious task - reinvent the Royal Oak with daring new proportions. After years perfecting a prototype, the resulting ref. 25721 was unveiled in 1993 to awe and astonishment. Nicknamed "The Beast" for its radical 42mm case, it marked the birth of the groundbreaking Offshore lineage while pioneering the trend for larger timepieces.

    This early "E Series" example beautifully exhibits the coveted "tropical" dial patina, with its rich brown tone saturating elegantly over time. An unpredictable metamorphosis treasured by collectors. Its provenance is further distinguished by the original owner's special ties to Audemars Piguet. Having acquired the watch directly from the manufacture rather than a boutique, which explains the blank certificate – its remarkable history is forever inscribed in the manufacture’s internal archives.

    Accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box, the present ref. 25721 “Beast” in titanium is an exceptionally rare example with remarkable pedigree that embodies the disruptive spirit of the Offshore's genesis - an enduring icon of 1990s watchmaking bravado.

  • 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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954

Ref. 25721TI
A highly rare and attractive titanium chronograph wristwatch with "tropical" dial, date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box

2000
42mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$110,000 - 200,000 
€13,200-24,000
$14,100-25,600

Sold for HK$190,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024