When you think of Audemars Piguet rare birds of course WCL is the premier destination to find that content you can’t find elsewhere. Since we typically feature the most sought-after APs and some of the rarest limited editions out there, why not talk about the Royal Oak Chronograph ‘City Of Sails’ in 18K rose gold ref. 25979OR.0.0002CA.01 released in a limited edition of 200 pieces.
The story between Audemars Piguet and the Swiss sailing team Alinghi dates back to 2003 when AP released the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Commemorative Edition America’s Cup 2003 ref. 25995IP in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces —this watch featured a dual-time indication, a date indication, and a power reserve indicator and it was cased in titanium with a titanium bracelet and a platinum bezel—, as well as two Royal Oak Chrono ‘City of Sails’ limited editions, one in 18K rose gold and the other in stainless steel.
The watches in partnership between AP and Alinghi celebrated the victory of the Swiss team Alinghi at the America’s Cup in 2003. This was the first time that the trophy was taken to Europe in 132 years.
Now, why is this limited edition Royal Oak named ‘City of Sails’? Well, it is because that is the nickname for Auckland, New Zealand, the city in which the 2003 America’s Cup edition took place.
After the release of the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Commemorative Edition America’s Cup 2003 and the Royal Oak Chrono ‘City of Sails’ in 2003, other limited edition AP-Alinghi watches followed. In 2005, AP presented the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Polaris ref. 26040ST —limited edition of 2,000 pieces— with an innovative special new movement featuring a regatta flyback chronograph function. That same year, a special edition of 25 pieces of the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Polaris was released for Italian authorized dealer Restivo under reference 26073ST. Then in 2007, the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Polaris Valencia 2007 Edition came out as well as the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Limited Edition in Forged Carbon —1,300 pieces—, 18K rose gold —600 pieces—, and in platinum —107 pieces.
But without a doubt, one of the nicest watches released by AP to celebrate the Alinghi Team is the Royal Oak Chrono 'City of Sails' in 18K Rose Gold we have here. Featuring a 39 mm case in 18K rose gold with screw-lock pushers and a screw-down crown, the Royal Oak Chrono 'City of Sails' is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters. The dial features a smooth grey ring with Arabic numerals around the central white ‘grande tapisserie’ and the hour chrono totalizer features the red logo of the Alinghi Team.
Powered by the AP calibre 2385, an automatic chronograph movement based off of the legendary Frederic Piguet calibre 1185 also used on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph —as caliber 1137—, and the Breguet Marine Chronograph —as calibre 576— amongst other timepieces; this movement still remains the thinnest automatic chronograph calibre ever made, measuring only 5.5mm in thickness. The movement is composed of 304 parts, beats at 21,600 vph, is fitted with 37 jewels and provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound.
To protect the movement there is a solid case back with a special medallion. The medallion reads: “Royal Oak. 30th Anniversary. City of Sails. Limited Edition” referencing the 30th edition of the America’s Cup which took place at the ‘City of Sails’ aka Auckland, New Zealand.
Considered one of the twenty most iconic watches by Audemars Piguet and a rare bird in all the sense of the word. If you find one, expect to pay anywhere between $45,000-50,000 USD based on the availability of boxes and papers and the overall condition of the watch. One of the few rose gold APs that can still be had for decent money considering the crazy pricing bubble we are currently experiencing.
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