Important Watches I

Audemars Piguet

Star Wheel, Reference 25720 | A platinum semi-skeletonised wristwatch with wandering hours display, Circa 1993

Auction Closed

April 24, 08:45 AM GMT

Estimate

240,000 - 500,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Audemars Piguet

Star Wheel, Reference 25720

A platinum semi-skeletonised wristwatch with wandering hours display, Circa 1993

Dial: engraved and semi-skeletonised

Calibre: cal. 2124 automatic, 33 jewels

Case: platinum, snap on sapphire crystal display case back

Case number: D8297

Closure: black Audemars Piguet alligator strap and platinum buckle

Size: 36 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: Audemars Piguet Certificate, instruction manual and presentation box

First executed in the 17th century, the whimsical complication found in the Star Wheel was originally conceived upon request of Pope Alexander VII as an alternative to his noisy conventional bedroom clock. The resulting “wandering hours” display of time was utterly unique, with a digital indication of the hour slowly traversing a sector of the watch indicating the minutes elapsed. At the end of the hour, the digit is replaced with the following hour on the other side of the scale.

Watchmakers at Audemars Piguet became enthralled by the complication and the idea of “a watch with no hands,” and in 1991 introduced their own interpretation with reference 25720. To further modernize the design, Audemars Piguet employed three spinning sapphire discs, each with four numerals, with the relevant digit appearing across the top scale on the dial to tell time. The radical and unconventional appearance of the dial, with every digital hour of the day visible at once, makes for a unique and disruptive design which is sure to turn heads and inspire conversation. The present watch has been retained in close to new condition.

愛彼 Star Wheel 型號25720

鉑金半鏤空腕錶，備漫遊小時顯示，約1993年製

附帶證書、説明書及盒子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."