ROYAL OAK 'CITY OF SAILS' ALINGHI MODEL, REF. 25979ST, CASE NO. E-77386, CIRCA 2002

In 2002, Audemars Piguet entered into a partnership with Swiss entrepreneur Ernesto Bertarelli and the Alinghi sailing team, supporting its challenge for the prestigious America's Cup. Following victory in the Louis Vuitton Cup, Alinghi earned the right to compete against Team New Zealand and, on 2 March 2003, became the first European team in more than 150 years to win the America's Cup. This historic achievement marked one of the greatest moments in competitive sailing and established a long-standing relationship between Audemars Piguet and the victorious Swiss team.

Developed with enhanced shock resistance to withstand the demanding conditions of professional yacht racing, the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi embodies the union of elite sailing and high watchmaking. Introduced in 2002 to celebrate both the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak and the partnership with Team Alinghi, reference 25979 is instantly recognisable by the Alinghi logo prominently displayed within the left chronograph subdial. The model was produced in a limited edition of 1'250 examples in stainless steel, such as the present timepiece, 200 in pink gold, and only 50 in platinum.

Beneath the specially engraved caseback commemorating the Royal Oak's anniversary beats the self-winding calibre 2385, an integrated column-wheel chronograph movement renowned for its reliability, refined construction, and approximately 40-hour power reserve.