Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 25930PT

Exceedingly rare Royal Oak with links to Tupac?

Before we dive into the backstory of this example, take a minute to appreciate this diamond embellished beast. Although it comes in "the usual Jumbo" diameter; 39mm, it pops off the wrist for a numerous of features. Starting off with all that factory set sugar on the bezel, something one doesn't see often on those sporty Royal Oaks. The diamonds can also be found on the dial as minute markers. But wait, where is the dial? You might not really see it, but the sub-dials. markers and moonphase are applied onto a sapphire crystal, enabling the appreciator of mechanical art to enjoy this movement.

As per usual with "Skeletonized" AP's, they've put some extra attention to the finishing of the movement; which can also be seen through the crystal caseback, with the hand-engraved and open-worked rotor as the cherry on the cake. Cal. 2120 is obviously at the base of this sturdy and complicated creation, but with the extra perpetual calendar module it is dubbed as the 2802.

As confirmed by the extract, this model goes under the reference 25930PT.ZZ.0944PT.01. We have reached out to numerous, well-respected sources since a Google-search ended up with nothing. However, they too were stunned by the mystery of this reference that first saw the light of day right before the turn of the century. Might have been a special order for somebody, but who would that somebody be...

2 Months after premiering this watch on Instagram, someone reached out who spotted the watch in an old YouTube-video (Haitian Jack speaks - The real Gully TV) on the wrist of Jacques Agnant, better known as "Haitian Jack". In the video the Haitian-born music producer and promoter talks about the beef he had with Tupac and the accusations towards him for ordering the hit on -arguably- the best rapper that ever lived, that used to be one off his best friends. Subsequently mr. Agnant found himself in troubled water in regards to the law. It is rumoured that this watch was used as a retainer fee for legal assistance. It ended up on auction some years ago and found its way to our store.

Regardless if this is indeed a Pièce Unique and previously owned by Haitian Jack, it isn't hard to imagine it was ordered and flaunted by an extravagant person. This hefty platinum piece is as intriguing from the outside as it is on the inside and surely the above mentioned story adds to the charm.