Athlete Garry Kasparov spotted wearing a Audemars Piguet

Garry Kasparov, widely regarded as one of chess's greatest Grandmasters, became synonymous with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 25860ST during his most dominant competitive years. Photographs from professional tournaments document Kasparov wearing this steel chronograph at the wrist during high-stakes games, a choice that elevated the reference from technical curiosity to collector's talisman. Today, the Ref. 25860ST remains one of the most recognisable steel sports watches of its era, its reputation inseparable from Kasparov's legacy of precision and dominance.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 25860ST houses the Calibre 2385, an automatic chronograph movement with a column wheel and horizontal clutch—hallmarks of haute horlogerie craftsmanship. The 39mm stainless steel case exhibits the signature octagonal bezel and tapisserie-patterned dial that define the Royal Oak design language. Three sub-dials track hours, minutes, and seconds; the dial presents in black lacquer, offering contrast against white hour markers and luminous hands. The integrated steel bracelet features solid end links and a fold-over clasp, delivering both durability and wrist presence. Water resistance reaches 50 metres, sufficient for daily wear but not diving.

Production of the Ref. 25860ST spanned the mid-1980s through the early 2000s, making it one of the longest-running steel Royal Oak Chronograph iterations. Variant dials include cream and sunburst finishes, though the black lacquer remains most collectable. The reference predates the introduction of the in-house Calibre 2326/2385 evolution and represents a period when Audemars Piguet refined rather than revolutionised its sports-watch portfolio. Its association with Kasparov—a figure who embodied calculation, timing, and strategic mastery—created folklore among watch enthusiasts; the reference acquired the informal designation "Kasparov" within collector circles.

Kasparov's choice of the Ref. 25860ST reflects the broader tradition of chess champions selecting precision instruments. Unlike dress watches, chronographs demand functional credibility; a grandmaster wearing one signals that timekeeping matters to their competitive process. This practical aesthetic resonated with Kasparov's intellectual identity and reinforced the Royal Oak Chronograph's position as a thinking person's sports watch.

On the secondary market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 25860ST in steel typically commands £18,000 to £28,000 (USD 22,000–35,000), depending on condition, dial variant, and documentation. Original box and papers command significant premiums. Waitlists for steel Royal Oak Chronographs remain lengthy at authorised retailers, and the Ref. 25860ST's historical association with Kasparov has strengthened collector demand, positioning it as a legacy piece in sports-watch culture.