Audemars Piguet

A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, Audemars Piguet is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus. Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972.

Debuted in 1986, the Audemars Piguet Tourbillon Automatique was the manufacturer’s first self-winding tourbillon powered by cal. 2870. Not only was it the firm’s first self-winding tourbillon wristwatch but it was the lightest ever made, and still is, weighing approximately 0.134 grams. At 6 o’clock, an aperture for the hammer winding weight is revealed swinging from one side to another, hence achieving what was the slimmest self-winding tourbillon wristwatch ever made at the time.

This vintage Tourbillon Classique reference 25643.003 is a platinum automatic wristwatch, circa 1990, with rectangular case and pin buckle in 950 platinum with black alligator strap. Case size in diameter 28x38 mm, case back serves as the baseplate of the movement (as evidenced by the 6 rubies that are visible on the back). Such a unique design makes the watch just only 5.5 mm thick. Water resistance approximately 20 meters. Mechanical automatic movement caliber 2870, with 32 jewels, applies "hammer" winding movement, instead of rotor. Platinum-iridium weight swings through a small arc. This watch comes with paper only.

Fits a wrist size of 8 inches or smaller.