Audemars Piguet Classic 5548

Reference  5516 was  the first AP perpetual with cal 13VZSSQP,  produced in limited numbers  between 1955 and 1968, and is now object of cult.

 

The second perpetual by Audemars Piguet was the reference 5548.  This was using the ultra-slim 2120/280 caliber,  with the Dubois-Depraz perpetual module.

 

Please look at these two articles, with the history of AP perpetuals:

https://revolutionwatch.com/the-complete-history-of-the-audemars-piguet-perpetual-calendar/     - by Wei Koh.

 

And:  https://www.watchbrotherslondon.com/articles/reference-talk-audemars-piguet-quantieme-perpetual-automatique  by Ben Dunn.

 

My watch – now for sale – is of the earlier production of the 5548,  with “SWISS” only rather than “SWISS made”  as used after 1982.   The papers say it was sold in 1984 in Essen (DE), numbered 963 in series,  movement serial n. 226689, case B78778.

 

The dial has no imperfections at all (EDIT: please see below) , movement has been serviced in 2015 by my master watchmaker (ex-Audemars Piguet), and used very rarely since. It will need a service, but no parts will be needed. The case is excellent, and bears the initials of the first owner (KFS)

Comes with all papers, a copy of the instruction manual, the original leather box, papers stamped and signed by the AP dealer, and AP wallet. Plus the all-important original 18k gold pusher (to set the calendar and moonphase).

The 18K gold buckle is stamped Audemars Piguet and is the original one. The genuine alligator strap is of the type originally used, but it is an aftermarket one, well used and you may want to replace it.

Looking for 27,000 USD – 20,000 GBP – 23,800 EUR. (EDIT: Because of the reasons below - the micro- hairlines in the sundials- reduced to 21700 usd= 16200 gbp.=19300 eur) . Price a bit negotiable for the right buyer. Payment by bank wire, shipment by UPS, insured third-party, is included.

Contact me for any question or image. Here below some to start with.

Best wishes

Franco

EDIT 21/11/21: After a warning from an eagle eyed member, have checked the top and right sub-dials with a 20x loupe. Under certain incidence of light, and not on other, are visible micro-lines of discoloration - indicating faint hairlines below the surface. Honestly, I had not realised that at all. Price has been adjusted because of this, even if these are not visible to the naked eye. They are there - like however in most AP perpetual on Chr24.