Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is a brand that has mastered the art of seamlessly integrating haute horology with modern design. In 2000, they were the first ever watchmaker to add the historic and highly complex Equation of Time complication to a wristwatch in the Jules Audemars. 10 years later, the complication was added to their iconic Royal Oak line creating reference 26603.

Due to the ever changing orientation of the Earth, tilting on its axis as it travels along an elliptical path around the sun, a day is rarely exactly 24 hours long. This deviation is almost never taken into account in regular civilian life, despite the fact that a day can be up to 15 minutes longer or shorter depending on the time of year. An Equation of Time indicator solves this issue, being able to display the real time difference between civilian and true solar time, and in the case of the present watch is indicated on an outer ring graduated to +/- 15 minutes. As a further step taken to ensure perfect precision, each watch is calibrated to a specific city with this one set for London (the city calibration can be changed to the owner’s desired location through AP service).

In addition to the Equation of Time indicator, the watch amazingly also displays sunrise and sunset times for the calibrated city, which is not only a true horological accomplishment, but is also extremely practical when compared to the more romantic Equation of Time complication. To finish, Audemars Piguet also added a perpetual calendar for good measure, making this watch a true marvel of engineering.