Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1993 Reference No: 25720BA.OO.A002.02 Movement No: 376’177 Case No: D11’577 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 Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet certificate stamped Marubishi Shokai Japan, dated 1st February 1994, instruction manual, Timepiece Life & Care card, notepad, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming the register date of the present timepiece on 29th January 1993.
Catalogue Essay
An imaginative universe on the wrist, the wandering hours are a type of horological complication from the 17th century that display the hours using a system of satellites that gravitate along a minute scale arrange in the form of an arc. In 1991, Audemars Piguet took this unusual mechanism and named it the Star Wheel collection.
Today a neo-vintage classic that appeals to collectors, the timepiece features three transparent sapphire discs with its hours printed rotates on a center wheel. Indicating time by its pointed arrow that 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 dials were available with guilloché or floral engraved decoration.
The present example in yellow gold displays a wonderfully hand-engraved dial depicting floral motifs 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 in the market today. Presented in excellent overall condition and accompanied with its certificate and original accessories. Whether you gravitate towards the new interpretation of the CODE. 11. 59 Star Wheel or the present neo-vintage origin, the playful and poetic world of the Star Wheel is an icon you should add to your collection.
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.