Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 2005 Reference No: 25806PT Movement No: 415'420 Case No: E11174 Model Name: Jules Audemars Grande Complication Automatique Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2885, 52 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet undated Certificate of Authenticity booklet, key and key pouch for wooden presentation box, winding portable stand and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
"Grande complication" wristwatches are extremely rare to come by, and the present example by Audemars Piguet is no exception. The present Jules Audemars Grande Complication Automatique not only features a minute repeating, perpetual calendar and split seconds chronograph function, it is also cased in platinum, the noblest of all metals.
Following the injection of technical innovation following the advent of the quartz crisis, Audemars Piguet released its first Grande Complication wristwatch in 1996 with the Jules Audemars model. It subsequently was launched in the Royal Oak model in 1997. While the manufacture had already started making grande complication pocket watches since 1882, it was not until the 20th century that they made this function in a wristwatch. Combining these three complications within the confined space of a movement requires an exceeding amount of finesse and know-how. Audemars Piguet states that it takes over six to eight months of work to create a grande complication movement, made of no less than 648 components. Each movement is made by the same watchmaker from start to finish.
Furthermore, this watch is offered in outstanding and original condition. The minute repeating is in phase and has a terrific tone and quality, boosting the appeal of this neo-vintage complicated wristwatch.
A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.
Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.
Ref. 25806PT A rare and attractive minute repeating platinum split seconds chronograph perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases and leap year indication
Circa 2005 42mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed