This Audemars Piguet Royal OakDual Time 25730STisan unusual combination of the iconicRoyal Oakdesign and a seldom seen complication. The Dual Time 25730STremains one of the few Royal Oak references to house this practical complication, which undoubtedly proves itself useful on a daily basis.The watch was serviced by the manufacture in June 2021.

The Royal Oak Dual Time

Shortly after the originalRoyal Oak 5402,Audemars Piguetexperimented with integrating a range of complications within its iconic, angular case. From the mightyto a range of chronographs, they repurposed the design to fit a wide range of functions, catering to consumers evolving tastes and appetite for variety.Having first developed the dual time functionality for an earlier reference,Audemars Piguetdecidedto marrythis practicalcomplication with their increasingly popularRoyal Oaksilhouette in 1992.However, it was confined to afor quite a while, as this size was favoured by a wider range ofclients at the time.

Featuring a date, dual-time and power reserve functionality, the Dual Time remains one of the most complicated mid-size Royal Oaks in the manufacture's catalogue. Bearing some resemblance to the dial layout ofPatek Philippe's, thisreference25730ST retains legibility and balance, despite the wealth of information displayed.

A Balanced Dial

The dial of thisRoyal Oak 25730ST is rendered in a matte black colour, which wonderfully complementsthe stainless-steel case and bracelet. Not typically used within theRoyal Oakmodel,the black dial is deep and legible, enhancing the varied reflections and textures of the stainless-steel case.

The dialintegrates a range of different finishing techniques, from the smooth chapter ring and complication sub-dials, to the more traditionalPetite Tapisseriepattern found in the centre. This pattern is a nod to the manufacture's earliest pieces, with newer versions of theRoyal Oakhaving since adopted the bolderTapisserie Evolutivedial pattern, which is less faithful to the original design.

The different complications are displayed throughout, withthe date function at 2 o'clock, thesecond timezone at 6 o'clock, and the power reserve indication at 9 o'clock.The powdery silver colour of the printed text on the dial - from thenumerals for the date to the minute track - adds a further sporty dimension to the overall design and echoes the tone of the case and bracelet.

Usually placed in prime position, in this case, the "Audemars Piguet" signature is discretely nestled within the second timezone indicator at 6 o'clock, yet again bringing coherence to the overall display.Theapplied APlogo and crisp, lume-filled indices further contrast with the deep, black dial.Over time, the lume has faded to a creamy tone, which enhancesthevintage aesthetic of this piece.

TheClassic Case

At 36mm in diameter, and only 8mm thick, thisRoyal Oakcase is a beautiful twist of perspectives and size. Thanks to the slim profile of the case and bracelet, theref.25730SThugs the wrist, in a way that is both supremely comfortable, yet distinctively elegant.Collectors have noticed that on account of the unique case shape of theRoyal Oak, the mid-size versions wear much larger on the wrist than their dimensions would suggest.

This25730STcomes with its original bracelet and AP signed clasp cover. This example also features a signed crown, which one should expect to find on the models from this period.

The Movement

This Royal Oak Day Date 25730ST is powered by the self-winding calibre 2229-2845, based on a Jaeger LeCoultre bauche. This automatic calibre features54 working jewels andhas an oscillating weight mounted on an unlubricated ceramic ball bearing, with one segment of the weight made out of 21-carat gold.

The Set

This Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 25730STcomes withits outer box, inner octagonal leather box, instruction manual, Certificate of Origin, servicing invoices from 2007 and 2021 and a servicing warranty card.

If sold within the United Kingdom, thisAudemars Piguet Royal OakDual TimeRef.25730STwill be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look