Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1993 Reference No: BA25720 Movement No: 376’653 Case No: D11’613 Model Name: Star Wheel Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2124, 33 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
First introduced in 1989, the Audemars Piguet Star Wheel features an unusual way of time telling known as the rotating discs display. Visible on the dial, three transparent sapphire discs with its hours printed rotates on a center wheel, indicating time while its pointed arrow moves along the retrograde style minute track on the upper portion of the dial. The model was made available in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel and platinum.
The present example in yellow gold displays a wonderfully hand-engraved dial depicting floral motifs that go hand in hand with its “Star Wheels”. A true classic from Audemars Piguet, collectors today have once again recognized the importance and uniqueness of the Star Wheel and are sought after watches in the market today.
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.