Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1994 Reference No: 25721ST Movement No: 36'9452 Case No: D 23899 and No. 156 Model Name: Royal Oak Offshore “The Beast” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2126/2840, 54 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet bracelet, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet deployant clasp, stamped S9 Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming registration date on September 30th, 1992 and factory service box.
Catalogue Essay
There are times when a nickname is given, intended to be derogatory, but is then fully embraced by the bearer of that nickname. Such is the case with the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993, whose first iteration was given the moniker “The Beast”. Research shows that as usual, the Italians, stylistic pioneers, were the first to really embrace the masculine proportions of The Beast, which in the course of a few short years, became a huge seller for the brand.
In November 2018, Phillips Geneva had the privilege of offering one of the earliest Royal Oak Offshores to appear in public, bearing the number 39, and with the additional distinction of being owned by the designer of the Offshore itself, Emmanuel Gueit. He began development of the Offshore in 1989 and after overcoming many hurdles, it was finally released at Basel in 1993. At first derided because of its size and stature, it has since come to be widely acknowledged as revolutionary, establishing the trend for larger sports watches that has become the status quo today.
The Beast at hand, bearing number 156 on the caseback, belongs to the second batch of Royal Oak Offshores to be produced and notably bears the Offshore designation on the caseback. With the original and extremely rare folding blade deployant clasp, which was almost always replaced during service, the present lot is a rare opportunity to find a pristine and original example of this elusive and subversive reference.
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.
