Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1990s Reference No: 25558BA Movement No: 227’072 Case No: No. 82 and C3636 Model Name: Quantième Perpétual Automatique Material: 18K yellow Gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2021/1, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet fitted leather presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The AP reference 5516 was the world’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch with leap year indication, of which only nine were produced, succeeded by the later reference 5548, with caliber 2120, introduced 1978.
The caliber 2120 is one of the most recognized movements in horology known for its long history and jointly developed by Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe. The movement for decades was the thinnest automatic movement with central rotor, and distinguished by the 21K gold rimmed rotor. Based on the success of the reference 5548, Audemars Piguet released the reference 25558, their first skeletonized perpetual calendar wristwatch. Research indicates 217 examples were made with 154 in yellow gold like the present example.
These fully skeletonized watches allowed for a breath taking view of the movement from both the front and back. They exemplified the very best of Swiss watchmaking, where non-essential metal from all of the movement’s plates and bridges were removed, and all remaining “skeletal” parts were hand engraved and finished.
The present yellow gold timepiece is incredibly striking displaying the month, day, date and moonphase through the sapphire crystal dial. The black numerals and blue moon phase sector contrast nicely against the yellow gold case. The watch is in excellent overall condition and was recently serviced by Audemars Piguet. At 36 millimeters, the case size is perfect for any occasion, making the reference 25558 a wonderful watch for the connoisseur.
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.
