GRANDE COMPLICATION MODEL, REF. 5525BR, CASE NO. 26'863, SOLD IN 1955

Consigned by an important private collector, whose collecting philosophy has long been dedicated to the artistry and technical sophistication of complicated pocket watches, the present timepiece embodies Audemars Piguet's expertise in the field of high complications. A presence that is both commanding and incredibly elegant is created by details such as the warm, even patina of the gold case, the finely finished moon-phase display, and the dial's perfectly balanced symmetry.

A 'Grande Complication' is universally regarded as the summit of traditional watchmaking. The traditional 'triple crown' of horology consists of a perpetual calendar with moon phases, a minute repeater, and a split-second chronograph. Among the best ever imagined are Audemars Piguet's interpretations of these powerful mechanisms. Surprisingly, the company has been producing Grande Complication watches continuously since 1882. Only 58 examples of these masterpieces were finished over a 120-year period ending in 2002, demonstrating the complexity and time required to create them. The Grande Complication, which is only available to the most discriminating and sophisticated collectors, continues to be the pinnacle of refinement.

An Audemars Piguet Grande Complication is by definition subject to a rigorous set of requirements. These include a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, and a split-seconds chronograph, which Louis Perrelet patented in 1827 and which Jules Audemars turned into a signature specialty. Following the maison's traditions, every Audemars Piguet Grande Complication watch is additionally equipped with a moon-phase display, rounding out a collection of complications that collectively represent the height of classical horological perfection.