Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1993
    Reference No: 25720BA
    Movement No: 391’770
    Case No: D30’072
    Model Name: Star Wheel
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2124 , 33 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The wandering hours complication encapsulates imaginative watchmaking, with satellite discs displaying the hours while gravitating along an arc-shaped minute track. In 1991, Audemars Piguet masterfully interpreted this 17th century horological rarity as the Star Wheel collection.

    Today a neo-vintage classic, the Star Wheel features three sapphire discs with printed hours rotating on a central wheel. Time is indicated by a pointed arrow traveling along the retrograde-style minutes on the dial's upper portion. Initially launched in precious metals and steel, dials displayed guilloché or floral engravings.

    This yellow gold example exhibits a wonderfully hand-engraved dial depicting floral motifs alongside the revolving "Star Wheels." A true Audemars Piguet classic, the Star Wheel's importance is recognized again as collectors rediscover its poetic time display.

    Whether drawn to the new Code 11:59 interpretation or this neo-vintage origin, the playful wandering hours remain an entrancing complication for connoisseurs. With imagination and artistry, Audemars Piguet transformed this 17th century rarity into a contemporary icon.

  • 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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878

Ref. 25720BA
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with rotating discs display and engraved dial

Circa 1993
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$135,000 - 200,000 
€16,200-23,900
$17,300-25,600

Sold for HK$177,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024