This Audemars Piguet 25657 proves that it is still possible to get into ultra-high end watchmaking at a relatively affordable price.
Audemars Piguet’s introduction of the ‘Quantième Perpétuel Automatique’ line of ultra-thin perpetual calendar wristwatches with an automatic movement in 1978 has been one the most significant innovations in watchmaking in the last 50 years.
This 25657 is executed in a slim 18k yellow gold case, measuring in at a classic 36 mm. The case features a lovely stepped bezel, elegant downturned lugs, and a small crown. Only 1,309 pieces of this reference were produced in yellow gold between 1982 and 1993.
The reference 25657 was made with a number of different dials. The white execution is the most understated of the bunch and features elegant applied 18k yellow gold stick indices and matching thin gold hands as well as three lovely recessed sub-dials that indicate the day, date, month, and phase of the moon. This dial is a rare variation with the day and months indicated in Italian rather than English.
The ‘Quantième Perpétuel line is powered by Audemars Piguet’s caliber 2120/2800 automatic movement, which is derived from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legendary ultra-thin caliber 920 base movement. This base movement was of course used, among others, in AP’s Royal Oak, Patek’s Nautilus, and Vacheron Constantin’s 222. For the QP line, Audemars Piguet reworked the 920 to include a perpetual calendar complication as well as a 21k yellow gold rotor.
This 25657 dates back to 1989 and comes on a blue suede leather strap and is accompanied by Audemars Piguet service papers and an extract from the Audemars Piguet archives.