Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
Year: Circa 2011
Reference No: 26003
Movement No: 549'893
Case No: F66271
Model Name: Jules Audemars Equation of Time
Material: 18k white gold
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2120 / 2808, 41 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
In the early 2000s Audemars Piguet was the first brand to integrate in a wristwatch not only a perpetual calendar but an equation of time (based on the wearer’s city of choice) as well as time of sunset and sunrise.

The equation of time indicates the difference between civilian time and true solar time. For convenience a day is divided in 24 hours however due to the earth’s elliptical path around the sun as well as its tilted rotation axis a day is not exactly 24 hours and depending on the season can be longer or shorter than 24 hours.

The equation of time hand- fitted with a miniature sun at its tip-indicates the true solar time on an inner ring graduated from – 15 minutes to + 15 minutes. Nonetheless, the mean solar culmination point depends on the wearer's exact location, on the longitude of a given place on the globe. The equation of time read-off system developed by Audemars Piguet takes account of this specific place.

The present Jules Audemars is calibrated for Gy – in the canton of Geneva (as indicated on the inner ring) and the time of the solar zenith is indicated next to the city (here 12h36).

Other than the traditional calendar indication, the present example also indicates the times of sunrise and sunset in the owner’s desired city indicated via two subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock.

The equation of time mechanism and inner city ring can be easily changed by Audemars Piguet to reflect the city of choice of the new owner.
Artist Biography
Audemars Piguet
Swiss • 1881
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.
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