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Lot Essay
One of a strictly limited edition, this exceptionally scarce John Schaeffer Répétition Minutes Star Wheel reference 25881PT features a stunningly beautiful translucent purple dial. Regarded as one of Audemars Piguet’s neo-vintage masterpieces, according to the company’s archives, the present platinum watch was registered on 30th January 1996.
The John Shaeffer Minute Repeating Star Wheel model was produced between 1995 and 1999. Although originally planned to be a limited edition of 10 pieces, it is thought that in fact only 7 platinum cased examples were ever completed (see: Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches, Appendix 2, Exhaustive and Illustrated List of Models Equipped with Chiming Function, 1992 – 2002, pp. 292 & 300).
Minute repeating mechanisms are some of the most challenging and expensive for modern watchmakers to create, not only in the miniaturization of the mechanism but also in its acoustic qualities and tone. When the slide is activated on the side of the case of a minute repeater, it strikes the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on two finely tuned coiled gongs. The miniaturization of the incredible caliber 2867 minute repeating movement is remarkable - the platinum case measuring only 33.5mm square. A sapphire crystal display back allows the user to delight in the sheer skill of Audemars Piguet’s master watchmakers. Apart from minute repeating, the most intriguing aspect of this superbly complicated watch is of course the translucent purple dial that features a satellite (wandering) hour display driven by three transparent sapphire star wheels.
The “Star Wheel” system was invented by AP in the early 1990s, including different variations of “wandering hour” wristwatches. Three transparent sapphire disks, or star wheels, each inscribed with four hour indicators are attached to a rotating centre wheel. As the assembly turns, the indicator for the actual hour is rotated into view and then passed across a 120-degree minutes sector. The time is read by noting the visible hour pointing to the current minute.
Audemars Piguet manufactured their first minute repeating wristwatch in 1907 for the renowned American industrialist John Schaeffer. This customised pioneer version was housed in a cushion-shaped case, the numerals on the dial were personalised with the letters of his name instead of numerals. In the early 1990s, the company launched the ‘John Shaeffer’ limited edition series, paying tribute to the original ‘coussin tortue’ or ‘cushion turtle’ design.
A model that is very rarely seen at auction, this incredible creation is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and attractive among all variants of the neo-vintage John Schaeffer Répétition Minutes Star Wheel, a highly complicated watch that is now recognised by collectors for its ingenuity and extraordinary craftsmanship.
The John Shaeffer Minute Repeating Star Wheel model was produced between 1995 and 1999. Although originally planned to be a limited edition of 10 pieces, it is thought that in fact only 7 platinum cased examples were ever completed (see: Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches, Appendix 2, Exhaustive and Illustrated List of Models Equipped with Chiming Function, 1992 – 2002, pp. 292 & 300).
Minute repeating mechanisms are some of the most challenging and expensive for modern watchmakers to create, not only in the miniaturization of the mechanism but also in its acoustic qualities and tone. When the slide is activated on the side of the case of a minute repeater, it strikes the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on two finely tuned coiled gongs. The miniaturization of the incredible caliber 2867 minute repeating movement is remarkable - the platinum case measuring only 33.5mm square. A sapphire crystal display back allows the user to delight in the sheer skill of Audemars Piguet’s master watchmakers. Apart from minute repeating, the most intriguing aspect of this superbly complicated watch is of course the translucent purple dial that features a satellite (wandering) hour display driven by three transparent sapphire star wheels.
The “Star Wheel” system was invented by AP in the early 1990s, including different variations of “wandering hour” wristwatches. Three transparent sapphire disks, or star wheels, each inscribed with four hour indicators are attached to a rotating centre wheel. As the assembly turns, the indicator for the actual hour is rotated into view and then passed across a 120-degree minutes sector. The time is read by noting the visible hour pointing to the current minute.
Audemars Piguet manufactured their first minute repeating wristwatch in 1907 for the renowned American industrialist John Schaeffer. This customised pioneer version was housed in a cushion-shaped case, the numerals on the dial were personalised with the letters of his name instead of numerals. In the early 1990s, the company launched the ‘John Shaeffer’ limited edition series, paying tribute to the original ‘coussin tortue’ or ‘cushion turtle’ design.
A model that is very rarely seen at auction, this incredible creation is undoubtedly one of the most desirable and attractive among all variants of the neo-vintage John Schaeffer Répétition Minutes Star Wheel, a highly complicated watch that is now recognised by collectors for its ingenuity and extraordinary craftsmanship.