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As the traditional Swiss watch industry was buckling under the weight of the Quartz Crisis in the 1980s, Audemars Piguet apparently thought “Fuck it, let’s just make the world’s first automatic tourbillon and make it the smallest and thinnest one while we’re at it.”The 25643 debuted in 1986 and featured an 18k yellow-gold rounded rectangular case with a stepped bezel and measured in at a classic 28.5 x 32.5 mm. The case design is quite unique as it integrates the crown in the case back, making for a sleek front view. Moreover, the case back actually serves as the baseplate of the movement (as evidenced by the 6 rubies that are visible on the back). As a result, Audemars Piguet was able to make the watch just 5.5 mm thick!The tourbillon complication was developed in the late 1700s by Abraham-Louis Breguet to increase the accuracy of a watch. By mounting the balance wheel and escapement in a rotating cage, the effects of gravity on the movement can be negated. The titanium tourbillon cage is visible through an aperture at the 11 o’clock position on the dial. The tourbillon serves as the visual centre point of the dial. In a clever twist, a mesmerising art deco sun ray pattern emanates from the tourbillon, bathing the dial in a golden glow. Another aperture, at the 6 o’clock position, yields a peek at the vintage-style blued hammer weight with applied ‘AP’ initials that swings back and forth like a pendulum.This 25643BA dates back to 1993 and carries the unique production number ‘359’ engraved on the back. The watch comes as a full set and is paired with a black alligator-leather Audemars Piguet strap and an 18k yellow-gold ‘AP’-signed buckle.