The Jules Audemars 25984 Grande Complication Pink Gold (25984OR.OO.1138OR.01) is a true masterpiece from the renowned Swiss watchmaker, Audemars Piguet. As a part of the Jules Audemars collection, this watch honors one of the company’s founders while showcasing the brand’s extraordinary expertise in creating complex mechanical movements. With its automatic in-house caliber 2885, this watch boasts an impressive split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater.
Crafted with exceptional care and attention to detail, the case and bracelet are made of elegant 18K pink gold, while the silver dial is adorned with beautiful white Breguet numerals. The Jules Audemars 25984 Grande Complication Pink Gold is a rare and exquisite testament to Audemars Piguet’s unparalleled excellence and innovation in the world of haute horlogerie.
From the Designer’s Sketchbook
This timepiece is truly a work of art in the field of watchmaking, showcasing an exceptional combination of four of the most prestigious and complex complications: a split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater. Its 18K pink gold case flaunts a 42 mm diameter and a 14 mm thickness, while its sapphire crystal caseback reveals the intricacy of the automatic caliber 2885. The silver dial boasts a classic and elegant design, complemented with white Breguet numerals, blued steel hands, and four subdials for the chronograph counters and calendar indications.
The moon phase display, featured at 6 o’clock, reflects the phases of the moon in both hemispheres. Additionally, a slide located on the left side of the case activates the minute repeater, which chimes the hours, quarters, and minutes on two gongs. Coming with an 18K pink gold bracelet that matches the case and features a folding clasp for a secure fit, this watch is a tribute to the tradition and craftsmanship of Audemars Piguet, one of Switzerland’s oldest and most revered watchmakers.
The watch’s refined and sophisticated aesthetics appeal to connoisseurs who appreciate the beauty and complexity of mechanical timepieces. Its versatile and timeless style make it a suitable accessory for both formal occasions and casual wear.
Foundations of a Timepiece: Materials and Craft
Crafted from 18K pink gold, this timepiece exudes elegance and opulence. The case, bezel, and bracelet are all fashioned from this precious metal, renowned for its durability and resistance to corrosion. The silver dial, adorned with white Breguet numerals and blued steel hands, offers a striking contrast, enhancing the timepiece’s readability and intricacies.
The accompanying bracelet, made of matching 18K pink gold and featuring a folding clasp, ensures a secure and comfortable fit on any wrist. Renowned for its high build quality, this timepiece offers some of the most sophisticated features in horology. It boasts a split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater, all powered by the automatic in-house caliber 2885.
Operating at a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 45 hours, the movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, revealing the intricate finishing and decoration of its components. With a water resistance of 20 meters, this timepiece can withstand splashes and rain but is not suitable for swimming or diving. As it lacks specific shock resistance features, it should be handled with care and avoid impacts or vibrations that could damage its delicate mechanism.
Furthermore, it is sensitive to magnetic fields, extreme temperatures, and humidity, so owners should keep it away from these sources of interference. With its harmonious design combining beauty and functionality, this timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering. It is a rarity among exclusive timepieces, embodying the tradition and excellence of Audemars Piguet.
Inside Time: The Art of Precise Movement
This impressive timepiece operates using a sophisticated mechanical movement with automatic winding capabilities. As the wearer moves their wrist, the motion powers the watch. The impressive in-house caliber 2885 provides a hefty 45-hour power reserve, making it a reliable option for daily wear.
This highly complicated movement boasts a split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater. These exclusive features require precise adjustments and fine craftsmanship to ensure accurate readings. Additionally, the watch offers a convenient hacking feature, allowing the wearer to pause the seconds hand while setting the time.
Though there is no option for hand-winding, winding the crown clockwise provides the perfect solution to keep this magnificent timepiece ticking.
Mastering the Mechanisms: Feature Analysis
This timepiece boasts a collection of impressive features, including a split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater. These functions represent some of the most sophisticated and intricate mechanisms in the world of mechanical watchmaking. The split-seconds chronograph is particularly useful for measuring two events that start at the same time but finish at different times.
It comes with two central seconds hands that can be stopped independently by pressing the pushers located on the sides of the watch case. The perpetual calendar is designed to adjust automatically to the Gregorian calendar, including leap years, displaying the date, day, month, and year. It also reveals the week number and the moon’s age.
The moon phase display showcases the moon’s current phase from new moon to full moon and back. It is highly precise, with an accuracy of up to one day in 122 years. The minute repeater is a device that creates a delightful chime on demand, activating a slide on the left side of the case.
It uses two gongs and two hammers to differentiate the tone for each unit of time, from hours and quarters to minutes. All of these enticing functions and complications are powered by the automatic in-house caliber 2885, with a power reserve of 45 hours, a frequency of 19,800 vibrations per hour, and made of 648 parts. The movement is also visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, showcasing the intricate mechanism at work.
Elegance You Can Feel: Comfort and Fit
This timepiece is a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship that also delivers comfort and wearability. Its 42mm pink gold case strikes the perfect balance between size and weight, making it suitable for most wrists. The elegant white dial, featuring Breguet numerals, is both legible and sophisticated, and is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
The flush-fit pink gold bracelet is supple and smooth, with a folding clasp for easy adjustment. Being water-resistant up to 20 meters, this watch can withstand splashes or brief immersion in water. The watch exudes luxury and refinement on the wrist, which makes it perfect for both formal occasions and everyday wear.
Cost Meets Worth: Evaluating Value
This watch from the Jules Audemars collection is a true masterpiece. Boasting a split-seconds chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phase display, and minute repeater, it’s powered by the automatic in-house caliber 2885. The case and bracelet are crafted using 18K pink gold, while the dial features classic white Breguet numerals.
While the exact price of this watch isn’t publicly available, experts estimate it to be around $700,000. It’s a high price for a grande complication watch, but it speaks volumes about the rarity, craftsmanship, and exclusivity of this timepiece. Compared to other watches in its league, like the Patek Philippe Grand Complications or the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers, this watch stands out with its unique design, prestigious brand name, and remarkable movement.
If you’re a fan of elegance, sophistication, and technical excellence, this watch is definitely worth considering. However, don’t forget to keep important factors such as availability, maintenance, and resale value in mind.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Review
The watch boasts several desirable qualities, including a timeless and refined appearance thanks to its pink gold case and white dial adorned with Breguet numerals. Additionally, it features a perpetual calendar that automatically adjusts for varying month lengths and leap years, as well as a minute repeater, which produces delightful chimes upon request. Measuring dual events with different durations, such as lap times, is made possible through the watch’s split seconds chronograph.
And lastly, a stunning moon phase display showcases the current lunar cycle. However, it’s important to note that this high-end, intricate timepiece comes with a steep price tag of over $700,000, making it unattainable for most. It also requires careful attention and maintenance due to its complexity, possibly leading to potential malfunctions or mistakes.
And weighing in at 375 grams, the watch’s considerable heft may cause discomfort or inconvenience when worn over extended periods.
The Last Tick: Conclusion
The Jules Audemars 25984 Grande Complication Pink Gold (25984OR.OO.1138OR.01) is a true work of art in the world of horology. It seamlessly blends four of the most prestigious complications – a split-seconds chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a moon phase display, and a minute repeater – into a breathtaking timepiece. The 42-mm 18K pink gold case and bracelet exude luxury, while the silver dial with white Breguet numerals adds a touch of elegance.
The automatic in-house caliber 2885 provides a 45-hour power reserve, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. This watch isn’t for everyone, as it’s highly exclusive and carries a hefty price tag. It’s a timepiece that requires a deep appreciation for the art of watchmaking and a refined taste.
Plus, it’s a rare and collectible model that’s hard to come by. If you’re someone who’s looking for the ultimate expression of Audemars Piguet’s craftsmanship and innovation, then this watch may be the perfect fit for you. However, if versatility and practicality are what you’re after, then other options within the Jules Audemars collection or from other brands may be more suitable.
Overall, the Jules Audemars 25984 Grande Complication Pink Gold is a stunning watch that’s sure to make a statement on your wrist.