CIRCA: 1996
CASE MATERIAL: Pink Gold
DIAMETER: 38.5mm
STRAP: Black leather strap
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Cal. 2868 mechanical, 51 jewels
FUNCTIONS: Time , Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie
BUCKLE: Audemars Piguet Pink Gold buckle
WITH: Original Audemars Piguet presentation booklet and certificate

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This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

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Lot Essay

Among the cognoscenti, the Grand Sonnerie is considered the ultimate expression of haute horology, some even call it the king of complications. Audemars Piguet has an unparalleled history of making chiming wristwatches and this particular example is from a movement that was developed in the mid-1990s by the Le Brassus brand.

The Sonnerie function, usually found in clocks and clock watches, allows the movement to strike the hours and quarters on passing for “Grande Sonnerie” or “Petite Sonnerie” where it strikes only the hours on passing.

The present watch – apart from being able to strike the hours and quarters on passing with the “GS, PS or S (for Silence)” slide, can also strike the hours and quarters on demand via the button at 10 o’clock. It is a true marvel to look at the calibre 2868, consisting of more than 500 individual parts, all working symbiotically to perform a spectacular chime.

Whilst the original intention of the complication which announces the time in the dark may now seem archaic and unnecessary, the significance of the present watch cannot be overstated.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

OVERALL CONDITION: The watch is in very good overall condition, with some signs of wear to the case, bezel and caseback.

CASE: The case is in good condition having been slightly polished and brushed. It also exhibits surface scratches around the bezel.

DIAL: The dial is in excellent condition.

MOVEMENT: The movement is ticking and all the functions are working. The grande and petite sonnerie work well.

BUCKLE: The buckle is original

PLEASE NOTE:
This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

Effective 7 February 2022
A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.

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