Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1997
    Reference No: 25918BC.O.0001CR.01
    Movement No: 442’826
    Case No: E26’657
    Model Name: Jules Audemars Repetition Minutes Quantieme Perpetual
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 2866Q/2807, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Audemars Piguet certificate, instruction manual, key, setting pin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
    Literature: A similar example prominently illustrated in Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches II by Audemars Piguet, pp. 302.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Jules Audemars collection stands as a paean to one of the esteemed maison’s founding fathers. In 1982, Audemars Piguet unveiled this line to honor the inimitable Jules-Louis Audemars, and to uphold the haute horlogerie of Le Brassus. Timepieces in the Jules Audemars family are graced with sinuous lines and fulsome curves, enhanced by artisanal finishes of the highest caliber. A spirit of subtlety and consistency prevails across the range, with an air of quiet distinction in the smallest details.

    The present Jules Audemars Repetition Minutes Quantieme Perpetual represents the ne plus ultra of the Jules Audemars canon. Debuted in 1997 and produced through 1999 in severely limited quantities—a mere 17 examples in total: 11 in white gold, 5 in pink gold and 1 in platinum—this reference embodies the technical prowess and brilliance in complication for which Audemars Piguet is legend.

    Ensconced within a 39mm white gold case lavished with mirror-polished and satin-brushed surfaces, the self-winding cal. 2866Q movement comes vibrantly to life when the minute repeater mechanism is engaged. Through a transparent caseback, one may observe each immaculately finished component, from the Côtes de Genève motif to the chased and engraved steel parts, gears and hammers that chime the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on request.

    The perpetual calendar, displayed against a black dial with guilloché hour ring, indicates moon phases and leap years in the French manner with cultivated restraint. This harmony of midnight black and white gold once again demonstrates the art of sublime contrast achieved solely in Le Brassus.

    Offered in attractive overall condition with a clean and melodious tone, the present example awaits an owner who will relish its complexities whilst imbibing a fine vintage. The Jules Audemars minute repeater perpetual calendar is a timepiece to be savored—a tribute to the visionary for whom it was named, and a glimpse into the rarefied world of Audemars Piguet at the apex of artistry.

  • 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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979

Ref. 25918BC.O.0001CR.01
A very fine, rare and complicated white gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indication, Roman numerals, certificate and presentation box

Circa 1997
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 650,000 
€37,800-76,700
$41,000-83,300

Sold for HK$571,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023