Released back in 2002, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST.OO.1205ST.01 is one of the most coveted grails from this manufacture. Combining two noble complications like the tourbillon and the chronograph, this Royal Oak in stainless steel is not for the faint of heart with its close to a quarter of a million dollars price tag. Fitted with a 44 mm case that in reality wears more like a 42 mm thanks to its slender profile, the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST is typically seen on a matching stainless steel bracelet. 

Powered by the manual wound Audemars Piguet calibre 2889, the watch features a tourbillon with opening at 6 o'clock, a running seconds subdial at 9 and a 30-minute chronograph register at 3 o'clock. With a strikingly beautiful Grande tapisserie dark blue dial with white and light blue applied markers, white hands with light blue superluminova, a red seconds hand and red accents on its subdials, this refined timepiece is very edgy and sporty at the same time.

With its beating heart fully visible via the display case back the Audemars Piguet calibre 2889 rises in all its glory and warrants a real treat for the eyes. Fitted with a chronograph mechanism featuring at the time a new highly effective coupling lever, the 30-minute counter is equipped with a practical device enabling a semi-instant jump of the chronograph minute hand within an interval of approximately half a second. Beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph, this 28-jewel manual wound movement provides a power reserve of three full days when fully wound.

On the wrist, the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST.OO.1205ST.01 wears slightly smaller and more like a 42 to 43 mm watch. An incredible timepiece that brings the best of Audemars Piguet to the table and a highly collectable grail for those in love with the Royal Oak.

Last Known Sticker Price $148,000 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.