Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day-Date Ref. 25572BA - 'Owl'
It’s not unfair to say that Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the most iconic watches ever made. Designed in 1972 by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak completely changed the way that we look at a steel sports watch. For the first time, stainless steel was treated as a precious metal - receiving complex finishing techniques of brushing, polishing, and beveling - all by hand. The idea that its eight hexagonal bezel screws would be finely finished and left exposed for the wearer to see was a revolutionary thought. It’s no surprise that the model became the calling card for the family owned Audemars Piguet - not to mention one of the most sought after watches in the world. While the initial 5402 was time-only, AP quickly began to capitalize on the success of the Royal Oak and begin to integrate other complications and variations into this case.
Prior to the Royal Oak’s introduction, AP was a master of high complications making beautiful movements in precious metals. It was only a matter of time after the introduction of the Royal Oak that AP would continue to leverage that mastery and marry them with the new design.
Which leads us to the Royal Oak that we have here, a Royal Oak Day-Date Reference 25572BA.
These pieces feature 36mm cases with that iconic integrated bracelet and a day and date complication displayed in an attractive, twin-indicator layout. The symmetrical contrasting indicators on the right and left halves of the dial is reminiscent of an owls face (once you see it, you cant unsee it!), and for that reason have become colloquially known as 'Owls.'
This particular example remains in very strong condition overall, showing only light wear to the case and bracelet. The champagne gold dial has developed an attractive, even patination around its outer edge and is complimented by the early "Audemars Piguet" text on the dial in the same font size, along with the desirable non-luminous applied indices and matching 'pencil' handset.
A slightly off the beaten path Royal Oak with an always practical complication!
Condition Report & Details
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Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
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At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
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