Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1987 Reference No: 25643BA.OO.A003XX.01 Case No: No. 272 Model Name: Tourbillon Automatique Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2870, 32 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 28.5mm width x 38mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Debuted in 1986, the Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique was the manufacturer’s first self-winding tourbillon powered by cal. 2870. Not only was it the firm’s first self-winding tourbillon wristwatch but it was the lightest ever made, and still is, weighing just 0.134 grams. At 6 O’clock an aperture for the hammer winding weight is revealed swinging from one side to another, hence achieving what was the slimmest self-winding tourbillon wristwatch ever made at the time.
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.