Introduction
Released in 1972 and designed by Gerald Genta, watchmaking's most famous designer, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was the first stainless steel luxury sports watch ever to exist. Released as a tactic to survive the quartz crisis, the Royal Oak can single-handedly be thanked for AP's existence today due to its astounding success, albeit it wasn't an overnight hit. Its sizeable tonneau-shaped case, signature integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, exposed screws, and steel construction failed to win over collectors until a few years later. Today, the Royal Oak is one of the most highly-coveted timepieces in all horology as its previously dismissed design details have permeated across the industry and into watches like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, Rolex Oysterquartz, amongst many other legendary timepieces.
The 25860 ST was launched in 1998, and was the only chronograph to be made in the Royal Oak case (aside from the Emmanuel Gueit designed Offshore chronograph which was released in 1993). Featuring an F. Piguet movement, the 25860 was available in a myriad of color combinations and case materials. Also known as the 'Kasparov', it is christened after, and a favorite of, the Chess grandmaster, Garry Kasparov, who is widely considered to be the greatest chess player of all time and was a long-time AP ambassador.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Booklets
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Audemars Piguet
Dimensions
39mm
Model
Royal Oak Chronograph 'Kasparov'
Movement
Automatic cal. 2385
Reference
25860ST
Bracelet
Stainless steel integrated bracelet
Year
Circa 1998 to 2004
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and booklets
Dial Color
Black, partially tropicalized
THE DIAL
A classic example of the Audemars Piguet tapisserie dial, showcased here in black but with a golden shimmer at its center thanks to its attractively tropicalized core.
THE PROFILE
Angular and geometric, the Royal Oak design by Gerald Genta has become a bona fide icon. This one retains all the sharp finishings that Audemars Piguet is known for and includes the ever-angular pushers that make the Royal Oak's chronograph variant stand out all the more.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case has surface wear and scratches visible on the bracelet, case and bezel. The dial is showing a tropical effect, with the brass plate showing thru the anodized blue surface. The bracelet has 19 links, 1 of which is removable. The band exhibits minor stretIt is sized to fit a smaller sized wrist.
Our Perspective
At a time when the Rolex Daytona reigned supreme, the 25860ST was always my preferred choice. Intelligent design and an ideal case size made this the clear winner in my eyes.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
