Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm City of Sails - Ref. 25579ST

For sale is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph “City of Sails” Limited Edition, reference 25979ST, crafted in stainless steel and produced in a limited run of just 1,250 pieces. Released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Royal Oak while celebrating Team Alinghi’s participation in the America’s Cup, this highly collectible reference combines the unmistakable Gérald Genta-designed Royal Oak aesthetic with a distinctive sporting character. This example is presented in excellent overall condition.

The Royal Oak Chronograph “City of Sails” occupies a special place within the Royal Oak lineage, blending one of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic designs with a commemorative edition dedicated to competitive sailing. Produced in 2002, it celebrates both three decades of the Royal Oak and Team Alinghi, whose America’s Cup campaign marked a significant moment in modern sailing history. Limited to only 1,250 examples, it remains one of the most recognisable and sought-after Royal Oak Chronographs from the early 2000s.

The Dial:
The watch features a striking grey “Grande Tapisserie” dial, framed by contrasting black chronograph registers and complemented by a bold red minutes counter at 9 o’clock, inspired by the colours associated with the Alinghi sailing team. Large luminous Arabic numerals and white baton hands provide excellent legibility, while the date aperture is neatly positioned at 3 o’clock. The combination of the textured dial, monochromatic tones and vibrant red accents gives the watch a distinctive and sporty appearance that sets it apart from standard Royal Oak Chronograph references.

The Case:
Crafted from stainless steel, the classic 39mm Royal Oak case retains all of the hallmarks that have made the model an icon, including its brushed and polished finishing, octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal white gold screws, and integrated case design. Measuring approximately 12mm thick, the watch wears comfortably while maintaining a strong wrist presence. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the screw-down crown and chronograph pushers help ensure durability for everyday wear.

Strap & Buckle:
The watch is fitted to a generic black rubber textile strap that perfectly complements the sporty character of the “City of Sails” edition. It is secured by the original Audemars Piguet stainless steel deployant buckle, providing both comfort and security on the wrist.

Movement:
Powering the watch is the self-winding Audemars Piguet calibre 2385, a reliable automatic chronograph movement featuring a column-wheel architecture, date display and approximately 40 hours of power reserve. Renowned for its slim profile and dependable performance, the calibre has become one of Audemars Piguet’s most respected modern chronograph movements.

Included with the watch:
- Original Box: No
- Original Papers: No

Technical Data:
- Model: 25979ST
- Year: 2002
- Case material: Stainless Steel
- Case diameter: 39mm
- Bracelet material: Rubber Textile
- Dial: Gray
- Crystal: Sapphire

Movement:
Audemars Piguet Automatic self-winding movement