Audemars Piguet

• cal. 2872 manual winding tonneau nickel lever movement, 32 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance rotating within the three-arm tourbillon carriage, adjusted to five positions and temperature, minute repeating on two hammers • mother-of-pearl dial with blue overtones, luminescent tumbling Arabic numerals, luminescent hands, constant seconds mounted directly atop the tourbillon aperture • heavy 18k white gold circular case, sloped bezel, repeating slide to the chamfered brushed band, aperture to reveal tourbillon to the case back secured by four screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Audemars Piguet deployant buckle

In almost unused condition. The movement is running, however it might need service soon. The case and dial both show almost no wear and are in excellent condition. The outside of the back shows only very minor shop wear as the watch might have never been worn. The back is numbered F10237. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin dated January 3rd, 2005, as well as a book detailing the cal. 2872 movement and Instructions for Use within a leather folder. Together with a magnifying glass, fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

The present lot combines two of the most sophisticated complications in watchmaking: the tourbillon and minute repeater. While both functions find their origins in pocket watches, technical innovations later permitted them to be sized appropriately to be fitted into wristwatches.  

The understated design of the present example belies the complexity of the movement it houses. Its grid-motif dial is reminiscent of Audemars Piguet's Millenary collection, lending a sporty look to this elegant model.

In 2002, Sotheby's achieved a world record for an Audemars Piguet minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch. That piece, offered in our Hong Kong auction room, sold for $461,568. This price remains among the top results ever achieved for a modern timepiece offered at auction.

The present lot is being offered on behalf of the original owner and has never appeared at auction before.