80 Audemars Piguet Extremely Rare and Precious, Quantieme Perpetuel Calendar, Automatic Wristwatch in Platinum, With Diamond-Set Bracelet and Pavè Diamond Bezel, With Extract from the Archives, Reference 25700PT

Estimate: €60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Model: Quantieme Perpetuel
Reference: 25700PT
Case Material: Platinum and Diamonds
Bracelet Material: Platinum and Diamonds
Year: 2010
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 2120/2
Case N°: N° 5, C85179
Movement N°: 324 713
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Additional Link

The history of the perpetual calendar is at the very heart of Audemars Piguet. Since 1881 when it was founded, the Le Brassus-based company has been producing timepieces featuring this complication. An important milestone in the history of the manufacture was reached in 1978 with the introduction of the caliber Quantieme Perpetuele Automatique 2120/2800, at the time the thinnest perpetual movement in the world. Mechanically impressive, the possibilities were endless when it came to design, materials and craftsmanship. The present example of Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar features a special platinum 36 mm diameter case and is part of a very limited production that, to the best of our knowledge, comprised only 11 pieces in this metal. With its matching bracelet, this extraordinarily preserved watch is in remarkable condition and shows only slight signs of wear. The Audemars Piguet perpetual calendars have an instantly recognizable cross-like four subsidiary dials design, faithful to the brand’s earlier pieces. While other brands used widows to display indications such as the day or the month, AP kept this layout both in its classic and sports perpetual calendar watches, such as the Royal Oak. The dial of the present lot is no different, with the four subsidiary dials on a blue surface with diamond indexes that echoes the rest of the case and bracelet. Indeed, the bezel of this specimen is embellished with brilliant cut diamonds, as are the inner links of the platinum bracelet, making the whole timepiece precious and exceptional. A well-preserved neo-vintage example, the present ultra-thin timepiece will surely impress and garner interest from the passionate community of Audemars Piguet collectors.