AUDEMARS PIGUET, REF. 25562PT. A RARE PLATINUM, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET AUTOMATIC PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH

This stunning Audemars Piguet wristwatch represents an important chapter in the history of the Le Brassus-based brand. In 1978, Audemars Piguet introduced the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar with the introduction of the Ref. 5548 (which became the Ref. 25558 towards the end of 1984 when AP added a ‘2’ as a prefix to the reference number).

Central to this successful product line was the development of the ultra-thin Cal. 2120⁄2800, a wonderful new movement based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Cal. 2120. This product line was significant for the brand since it was a return to their complication roots at a time when the watch industry was leaning towards more economical quartz-powered watches. The new perpetual calendar featured four symmetrical subsidiary dials, featuring a month indicator at 12 o'clock, date at 3 o'clock moon phase at 6 o'clock, and day register at the 9 o'clock position.

There were many variations of this model, the present Ref. 25562 is a more flamboyant variant of this perpetual calendar model, with a platinum case featuring a bezel set with 36 diamonds and 12 sapphires and an integrated platinum bracelet. The paved diamond dial adds a further layer of exclusivity to this watch. According to the Heritage Department at Audemars Piguet, the present timepiece was first sold in the UK in 1985.