AUDEMARS PIGUET. A VERY RARE 18K GOLD AUTOMATIC SKELETONIZED TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND POWER RESERVE

The introduction of the reference 25718 in 1991 marked a significant advancement in watchmaking, notably owing to its forward-looking design. It was the world's first wristwatch to combine a tourbillon, an automatic movement, a power reserve, and a date indication.

The present timepiece stands out as a rare variant crafted in yellow gold. Its distinctiveness lies in its skeletonized dial, a departure from the ivory dial commonly seen on this reference. Furthermore, it is notable for its streamlined case, characterized by elegantly designed tear drop lugs, and lacking a crown, which has been relocated to the back.

A horological masterwork, the caliber 2875 movement is quite simply spectacular, with a fascinating aspect being that the automatic winding is not effected by a rotor but by a mechanism known as a 'hammer', mostly found in early automatic timepieces but adopted by Audemars Piguet for their automatic tourbillon watches. Made of a heavy iridium-platinum alloy, the 'hammer' swings from left to right, winding the mainspring with each alternate action.