Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • 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.
    Literature: Similar examples are illustrated in Audemars Piguet by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli and Martin K. Wehrli p. 152-156

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. 5525BR
A very rare and attractive yellow gold open face minute repeating perpetual calendar watch with split-seconds chronograph and moon phases

1955
48.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€41,200-82,400
$40,100-80,100

Sold for CHF201,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022