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65

Audemars Piguet

Ref. 5525BR

Grande Complication

A very rare and attractive yellow gold open face minute repeating perpetual calendar watch with split-seconds chronograph and moon phases

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000
$40,100 - 80,100
€41,200 - 82,400
CHF201,600
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Audemars Piguet
Year
1955
Reference No
5525BR
Movement No
26'863
Case No
26'863
Model Name
Grande Complication
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, 18SMCCRQV, 36 jewels
Dimensions
48.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Audemars Piguet service box, presentation box and Certificate of Authenticity.
Catalogue Essay
The perfect proportions and incredible beauty of the dial, the subtle details and the textured moon and stars make the present Audemars Piguet a visually arresting gem of horological design.

The absolute ultimate expression of watchmaking at its very finest, the present lot features the three elements that collectors and scholars define as a “Grande Complication”: a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar and a split-seconds complication.

In terms of technical mastery, Audemars Piguet has, since its founding in 1875, proven to be one of the greatest, not only creating bewildering complications under its own name but also supplying movements to others.

Made in 1955, at a time when the wristwatch had all but replaced the pocket watch, it is interesting to see that Audemars Piguet not only had the desire but the technical capabilities, know how and dexterity to create such complicated timepieces.

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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