23
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25720/002
Star Wheel
A rare and most intriguing platinum wristwatch with rotating discs display, engraved dial, certificate and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF15,000 - 25,000€16,000 - 26,700$17,500 - 29,200
CHF44,450
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- 25720/002
- Movement No
- 376'689
- Case No
- D8315
- Model Name
- Star Wheel
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2124, 33 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum Audemars Piguet pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet fitted box, undated and unstamped Certificate of Origin, service card from 2007, Care booklet and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Even though Audemars Piguet is immediately associated with the Royal Oak, another model became the brand’s signature in the 1990s: the Star Wheel.
It was in 1991 that Audemars Piguet rediscovered and reintroduced this unusual mechanism that was originally elaborated in the 18th century upon the request of Pope Alexander VII. The Star Wheel was first introduced in a round stepped case with different variations of case metal and dial finishes, followed by the cushion shaped John Shaffer. The wandering hour Star Wheel method of telling time was discontinued around 1996 but brought back as a limited edition in the Millenary case in 2000 in celebration of the brands 125th anniversary followed by a rebirth in the Code 11.59 case in 2023.
Joining creativity, beauty and technical wonder, the asymmetrical time display is made thanks to three rotating sapphire disks with printed hours rotating on a centre wheel respectively pointing to the minutes on the upper part of the dial. The present example in platinum features a delicate floral engraved decoration.
Presented in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its certificate and original presentation box, this Star Wheel will delight the collector who is looking for a rare and elegant timepiece that will keep on surprising every time one lays eyes on it.
It was in 1991 that Audemars Piguet rediscovered and reintroduced this unusual mechanism that was originally elaborated in the 18th century upon the request of Pope Alexander VII. The Star Wheel was first introduced in a round stepped case with different variations of case metal and dial finishes, followed by the cushion shaped John Shaffer. The wandering hour Star Wheel method of telling time was discontinued around 1996 but brought back as a limited edition in the Millenary case in 2000 in celebration of the brands 125th anniversary followed by a rebirth in the Code 11.59 case in 2023.
Joining creativity, beauty and technical wonder, the asymmetrical time display is made thanks to three rotating sapphire disks with printed hours rotating on a centre wheel respectively pointing to the minutes on the upper part of the dial. The present example in platinum features a delicate floral engraved decoration.
Presented in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its certificate and original presentation box, this Star Wheel will delight the collector who is looking for a rare and elegant timepiece that will keep on surprising every time one lays eyes on it.
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.