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Wearing an old QP today...
Reference 25661 ‘Display Back’
Often mistaken for reference 25657 the reference 25661 offers a visually treat courtesy of a snap-on sapphire crystal display back, highlighting the incredibly craftsmanship of the ultra-thin movement. This reference can be found in late C and early D series.
Production Numbers & Metals
Total production documented at 342 pieces. Yellow gold with 244 examples, followed by white gold with 32 examples, pink gold with 29 examples and platinum with 37 examples
Key Characteristics - ‘Sunken Sub-dials & Sapphire Case-back’
Introduced just 3 years after the ref. 25657 production of the ref. 25661 ran in parallel with most design features being shared across the references such as the sunken sub-dials. The ref. 25661 is known for its interesting variety of dial types from the ‘Salmon’ dial to the ‘Tuscan’.
As well as the clear case-back the ref. 25661 appears to have been produced with the later updated case only, as discussed above, with the hallmarks and engravings for the serial and production number stamped on the case side/underside. Compared to the solid case back models, the sapphire case-back increases the overall thickness ever so slightly.
Interestingly the Platinum examples featured a decorative finish throughout the movement, whereas the other metals only received this treatment on the rotor.
Excerpt from article written by Ben Dunn
Wearing an old QP today...
Probably the best in terms of dial legibility...
Beautiful, classic piece with a legendary movement.
