AUDEMARS PIGUET | REF 25643YELLOW GOLD TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH CIRCA 1987

Dial: gilt Calibre: cal. 2870 automatic, 32 jewels Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on bezel Case number: 226 Closure: Audemars Piguet genuine leather strap and 18k yellow gold double-folding clasp Dimensions: 28.5 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Audemars Piguet certificate of authenticity and presentation case

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: in great condition with nicely stepped bezel, very crisp engravings on the back as well as very strong hallmarks. There are only minor surface marks visible when closely examining the case. DIAL: in great condition with very minor surface blemishes. 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."

In 1986 Audemars Piguet introduced the first automatic winding tourbillon, calibre 2870. With a tourbillon cage diameter of 7.2 mm and a height of 2.05 mm, it was one of the smallest and not to mention the lightest tourbillons at 0.123 grams of the time.
It is interesting to note that the layout of the dial was inspired by astronomical symbolism: the tourbillon at 11 representing the sun and the 11 hour markers as the planets.