The Jules Audemars 25866 Grande Complication Platinum (25866PT.OO.D002CR.01) is a true work of art crafted by the highly esteemed Swiss watchmaker, Audemars Piguet. It encompasses the four most intricate and desirable complications in watchmaking: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph, and a moon phase display. Its platinum case and white dial are adorned with sleek stick markers, creating a refined and sophisticated look.
The watch is equipped with the automatic in-house caliber 2885, boasting a remarkable 45-hour power reserve. This timepiece is an undeniable feat of horology, that demonstrates Audemars Piguet's unwavering commitment to excellence and advancement.
Design and Aesthetic
This exquisite timepiece is a true work of art, boasting four of the most prestigious and complex complications in horology: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a split-seconds chronograph, and a moon phase indicator. Crafted from rare and precious 950 platinum, the case is elegant and exclusive. The white dial features both stick markers and Breguet numerals, and contrasts beautifully with the blue hands and subdials.
The dial also contains a leap year indicator, date subdial, month subdial, and day subdial. The moon phase indicator is centered on the month subdial, displaying the phase of the moon in both hemispheres. The minute repeater function is easily activated by sliding a lever on the left side of the case, producing a beautiful series of chimes.
The split-seconds chronograph function allows for the measurement of two simultaneous events with different durations, using two central seconds hands that can be independently stopped and reset. The automatic self-winding movement, caliber 2885, has a power reserve of 45 hours and can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back, revealing its intricate and refined craftsmanship. The blue alligator leather strap adds sophistication and the folding clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit.
A tribute to Jules Audemars, one of the founders of Audemars Piguet, known for his expertise in complicated movements, this watch appeals to users who appreciate fine watchmaking and showcases the technical excellence and innovation of Audemars Piguet. Its classic and refined aesthetic is perfect for formal occasions and collectors seeking a rare and prestigious timepiece.
Strength and Style: Exploring Build Quality
Crafted from the rare and durable metal, 950 platinum, this luxurious timepiece boasts an elegant white dial with stick markers, complemented by white hands and blue chronograph hands. The case, bezel, and folding clasp all shine with the same luxurious platinum finish. The blue alligator leather strap adds an extra touch of sophistication to the masterpiece.
It's not just the appearance that impresses, as the watch comes with a Grande Complication movement. This movement includes a range of advanced features, such as a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater, a split seconds chronograph, a moon phase, and a small seconds subdial. The watch is automatic self-winding, with a power reserve of 45 hours.
Admire the intricate movement within through the sapphire crystal on both sides of the watch. Although not shock resistant, it is water-resistant up to 20 meters. The watch is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering, with a high level of complexity and precision, and a retail price of over $700,000.
This rare and exclusive timepiece is only for the discerning few who appreciate the finest things in life.
The Beat of Precision: Movement & Accuracy Explored
This remarkable timepiece boasts an automatic movement, powered by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. The caliber AP 2885, crafted by the skilled artisans at Audemars Piguet, provides a 45-hour power reserve and an array of impressive features. With a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, split seconds chronograph, moon phase, and small seconds subdial, this watch is a true masterpiece of precision and craftsmanship.
Operating at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour or 3 Hz, slightly lower than the standard for most automatic movements, this watch may experience a minor impact on accuracy. However, this lower frequency also reduces wear and tear on the intricate movement parts. Thanks to its hacking function, the movement stops when the crown is pulled out, allowing for exact time setting.
It doesn't offer a hand-winding function, depending solely on the wearer's movement to keep it going. If the watch remains unworn for more than 45 hours, it will halt and require resetting.
In-Depth: The Many Faces of Functionality
This particular timepiece boasts several impressive features and complexities. With its perpetual calendar, you won't need to manually adjust the date, day, month, leap year or even moon phase. The minute repeater function allows you to activate a slide on the case to hear the time chimed out in quarters, minutes, and hours.
Additionally, the split seconds chronograph allows you to measure two events with different durations using two central seconds hands. You'll also notice a small seconds subdial located at 9 o'clock. It's evident that this watch is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering and horological artistry; however, it requires diligent maintenance and careful handling to maintain accuracy and longevity.
Neglecting proper servicing or misuse can result in some potential complications such as damage to the minute repeater function by activating it during the time adjustment or calendar settings, inaccurate display of the calendar or moon phase by changing the time beyond noon or midnight, or malfunction of the split seconds chronograph by pushing the buttons too frequently or too hard. To avoid these potential issues, following the manufacturer's instructions and having the watch maintained by an authorized dealer is strongly advised.
On Your Wrist: Balancing Comfort and Style
This stunning timepiece showcases the finest expertise and intricate details, yet offers a comfortable and practical wear for everyday use. The 42mm platinum case and 14mm thickness make for a fitting size for most wrist shapes. The beautiful blue alligator leather strap is both supple and hard-wearing and is kept secure with a folding clasp.
On the white dial, stick markers make for an elegant and clear reading experience, displaying a range of features including hours, minutes, seconds, a chronograph, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phase and small seconds. This exceptional watch is powered by an automatic self-winding movement, boasting 45-hours of power reserve and is water-resistant to 20 meters, suitable for short exposure to water. While not recommended for swimming or diving, this rare and exquisite timepiece exudes a seamless fusion of grace and functionality.
A true joy to wear and admire.
Cost Meets Worth: Evaluating Value
This particular timepiece is a standout in the Jules Audemars collection, boasting impressive complexity and craftsmanship. Its retail value sits around $628,000, but you can find it online for prices ranging from $502,400 to $673,500. While it's not a limited edition, it is a rare gem that's hard to come by.
Its high price can be attributed to its grande complication movement, featuring the tough-to-execute trifecta of a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and split-seconds chronograph. A perpetual calendar, in this case, adeptly displays the date, day, month, leap year, and moon phase while automatically adjusting for variation in months and leap years. A minute repeater adds an audible element to the mix, chiming on demand with two gongs, marking the hours, quarters, and minutes.
A split-seconds chronograph is poised to measure elapsed time with two central hands that can either stop independently or synchronize with each other. Showcasing an eye-catching platinum case, this watch is adorned with an elegant black alligator leather strap, and its silver dial boasts applied gold numerals and hands. Three subdials handle the chronograph counters and moon phase indicator, and four apertures cater to the calendar displays.
And, with a transparent case back, you'll be able to admire the intricate movement and its hand-finished components. When it comes to the competition, this watch offers impressive value for money. It outranks other grande complication watches, such as the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5208P or the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600, with even more complications. It also boasts a refined and elegant design, setting itself apart from sporty or flashy models such as the Richard Mille RM 056 or the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari. All in all, this watch is a work of art that combines functionality, beauty, and rarity. It's a taste of luxury that would make a stunning investment for any discerning collector.
Time Well Spent? Pros & Cons Explored
The watch boasts some impressive features. Its platinum case and white dial with stick markers lend it a sleek and elegant appearance. With a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, split seconds chronograph, moon phase and small seconds display, it's clear that this watch is one of the most complex and sophisticated timepieces in the world.
It also features an automatic self-winding movement with a calibre 2885, offering a 45-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 19,800 bph. But with its limited production and exceptional craftsmanship, its high price tag makes it a rare find. Its larger size and weight, measuring a 42 mm case diameter and 14 mm thickness, may make it uncomfortable for some wearers.
Plus, its delicate and intricate parts require regular maintenance and careful handling to avoid damage from factors like dust, moisture, and shocks.
Culmination: The Watchmaker's Summary
The Jules Audemars 25866 Grande Complication Platinum (25866PT.OO.D002CR.01) is a true gem in the world of horology, embodying elegance, refinement, and technical excellence. This masterpiece offers a plethora of sought-after functions, such as a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, split seconds chronograph, and moon phase, making it a truly exceptional timepiece. It is powered by an automatic movement with a 45-hour power reserve and encased in a platinum case with a white dial and stick markers.
This watch is designed with true connoisseurs and collectors in mind, as it showcases the unmatched craftsmanship and complexity of Audemars Piguet's creations. However, it is important to note that this watch is not for everyone, as it comes with a hefty price tag of around $150,000 and is produced in limited quantities each year. Additionally, it requires meticulous care and handling, as it is quite delicate.
Those who prefer modern or sporty designs, or those requiring practical features such as water resistance or luminous hands, may not find this watch to their liking. Therefore, this watch is an investment for those who can afford it and appreciate its rarity and beauty. It is a true work of art that will captivate anyone who sees it, while demanding the utmost respect and responsibility from its owner.
This watch is a testament to the pinnacle of Audemars Piguet's creativity and innovation.