Audemars Piguet Lot n° 6

Royal Oak Equation of Time (Geneva 12:36) Ref. 26603 ST Case No. 0028 / H 05657 The equation of time, the difference between mean and solar time, is one of the rarest complications used in watch-making since the middle of the 18th century, particularly amongst the greatest watchmakers of the Lumières. It was only natural that Audemars Piguet should launch a model featuring this complication with the iconic Royal Oak design from 2010, either in steel or rose gold. If we look at the quality of the finishing of this piece with several complications, we find all the strengths of the manufacture concentrated in an exceptional watch. What’s more, the fact that this example is calculated on the zenith of the sun in Geneva, i.e. 12:36, gives this version an additional attraction when one knows the prestige of the city of Geneva for fine watchmaking pieces. The Royal Oak Equation du Temps (Genève 12h 36) is equipped with the caliber 2120 which also offers the sunrise/sunset complication, a function that can also be found on antique watches of the great Swiss watch manufacturers who have used this horological complication since the 19th century, so complex to set up because of the position of the sun according to the different seasons.  In short, it is rare to be able to acquire a timepiece of this importance that is only sporadically sold at auction, Audemars Piguet being one of the leading brands in Switzerland and contributing to the influence of its watchmaking heritage, as well as to the cultural exception of Swiss watchmaking, since the opening in 2020 of its museum in Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux.