Legend has it that the idea of reviving the minute repeater at Audemars Piguet dates from the late 80s and a discussion between Serge Meylan, the brand’s technical director and Giulio Papi the genius watchmaker. The former wanted a watch using one of the brand’s signature elements: the jump hour, whereas the latter dreamt of a small repeating movement that could also fit in ladies watches.
As there were no museum nor archives at the time, Meylan provided Papi with some old photocopies of watches and movements for inspiration. 4 years later caliber 2865 was born, featuring a jump hour minute repeater.
The 1st models were launched in 1992 and in production until 1997, made in 257 pieces split between 7 references.
The present unique reference 25765 in platinum was presented in 1994 and features a lovely mother of pearl dial with blue accents and a flamboyant emerald setting on the sides of the bezel/lugs.
Even though the case is in platinum and as such a metal that muffles the sound of the chimes, the latter are nevertheless nice and crisp.
The present jump hour minute repeater is historical, unique and a milestone of horological history.