261 Audemars Piguet Iconic and Sought After, Royal Oak, Automatic Chronograph Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Box, Extract from the Archives and Service, Reference 25860 BA

Estimate: € 30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Sold € 42,900

Model: Royal Oak Chronograph
Reference: 25860BA
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1999
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2385
Case N°: N° 162, E-04615
Movement N°: 470692
Dimensions: 39 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Extract from the Archives and Service

The Royal Oak stands as an unequivocal icon in the realm of wristwatch design since its debut in 1972. Evolving over the years, this legendary sport-chic timepiece has seen various iterations, including the elegant chronograph version, exemplified by the present piece. While Audemars Piguet introduced their sporty Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in 1993, it wasn’t until 1998 that they revisited the more traditional line with the release of the Royal Oak Chronograph, similar to the present watch. Crafted mostly in stainless steel, the Royal Oak Chronograph reference 25 860 also saw select examples produced in yellow gold. The offered specimen is a striking representation of this, featuring a solid yellow-gold case and bracelet, imparting both a robust appeal and a dressier demeanor compared to its sportier counterpart, the Royal Oak Offshore. The 39 mm three-body case, with its iconic octagonal bezel and eight hexagonal nuts, is a masterclass in design, enhanced by the original satin finish on the bracelet and case. The “tapisserie” dial, adorned with luminous baton indexes, houses subsidiary dials for seconds, along with 12-hour and 30-minute registers. The date aperture between 4 and 5 adds practicality to the exquisite design. The reference 25 860 is powered by the caliber 2385, based on the Frederic Piguet caliber 1185. Notably, this movement held the distinction of being the thinnest self-winding chronograph movement at the time, allowing for the classic thin profile of the original Royal Oak to be maintained. In very nice condition and accompanied by the box and extract from the archives, this watch is a rare and exceptional example, one of the very few ever produced.