Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1990 Reference No: 25555BA Movement No: 244'019 Case No: B63093, 29 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 5020/2820, 20 jewels Dimensions: 47.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Authenticity and Exclusivity Certificate confirming originality of the watch
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece is an example of superbly elegant dial design. The “cardinal points” disposition of the four subsidiary counters offers extreme clarity and nearly perfect balance, broken only marginally by the different size of the counters at 12 and 6 o’clock. This slight asymmetry actually acts as a sort of “beauty mark”, further amplifying the overall aesthetic impact of the design. Further appeal is given by highly sough-after details such as the radial Roman numerals, the cathedral hands, and the railway minute divisions perfectly framing the ensemble.
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.