Complications
Emmanuel, known as quattro, brings to light a truly exceptional Audemars Piguet timepiece: the Jules Audemars platinum Repetition Minutes Carillon No. 1, reference 25818PT.OO.D002XX.01. His detailed exploration, featuring auction house imagery and insights into its current owner's collection, underscores the watch's significance as potentially the smallest carillon repeater ever made. This article delves into the intricate details and historical context that make this 28mm marvel a horological triumph.
The Jules Audemars collection represents Audemars Piguet's dedication to classical haute horlogerie, serving as a counterpoint to the brand's sporty Royal Oak legacy. Named after one of the company's founders, this line carries forward the traditional round-case watchmaking that established the Le Brassus manufacture's reputation in the 19th century. The minute repeater complication showcased here connects directly to AP's historical expertise in chiming watches, a specialty the brand has maintained since its earliest years.
This particular example demonstrates the technical mastery required for minute repeater construction, where the movement must strike hours, quarter-hours, and minutes on demand through a complex system of racks, snails, and hammers. The guillochΓ© dial work and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock follow classical pocket watch conventions, while the coin-edged case construction ensures optimal acoustic properties for the chiming mechanism. The 'Carillon' and 'Repetition' markings indicate this piece features enhanced chiming capabilities beyond a standard minute repeater.
Minute repeaters occupy the apex of mechanical watchmaking complexity and command corresponding prices in both primary and secondary markets. Audemars Piguet's examples typically represent five-figure investments, with rose gold cases adding material value beyond the considerable movement complexity. For collectors, these pieces offer entry into grand complication territory while maintaining the discretion of classical dress watch proportions, making them equally suitable for formal occasions and private enjoyment of their mechanical symphony.
The time only one shows the small movement on the front through the highly placed small seconds subdial but they are generally a line I really appreciate π
I would gladly wear such a watch. And of course also the Carillons! π
Even though I am admittedly a big fan of smaller watches I really find the 28mm size of a round watch to look just too small unless worn by a petite woman or child. Marc
Small in size but big in appeal, though, at least to me!
And he wears it with pride π
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