This Quantime Perptuel presents a twist on a much-loved ultra-thin, automatic perpetual calendar. This early piece features a yellow gold case, combined with an unusual dial featuring Roman numerals, which is much more rarely seen than the production model with straight indices.

First launched in 1978, the Quantime Perptuel by Audemars Piguet was the worlds thinnest automatic perpetual calendar. The reference 5548 was the first reference of this newly released perpetual calendar, birthing a category of watches which has taken on many different forms. Sources note that total production was documented at 2,183 pieces, and of those, yellow-gold cases were the most widely produced at 2,066 units.

However, this early example stands out for its rare dial configuration. Whilst most examples of the reference 5548 feature applied indices, this example features printed Roman numerals, which imbue this piece with an even more classic aesthetic. Though the change is subtle, it does give the watch a different aesthetic and persona. This early dial also features other traits which single it out as being part of the brands early production, such as the small Audemars Piguet signature of the Swiss only signature at the bottom.

The lines of the Quantime Perptuel were penned by Jacqueline Dimier, who is considered by some as the protg of the legendary . The perpetual calendar indications are laid out in an intuitive manner. The date and day are shown at 3 and 9 oclock respectively, with the months displayed at 12 oclock. A moonphase indication is placed at 6 oclock, with graduations for the moon position just above.

As this is one of the earlier examples, the sub-dials are not recessed, enclosed between two thin black strokes, with the 6 oclock sub-dial in a semicircle. Meanwhile, the gold stick hands provide excellent legibility against the white background. The case is a double-stepped bezel, with three pushers only very visible when the watch is turned over. At 36mm in diameter and less than 8mm thick, this 5548BA sits comfortably on the wrist. On the reverse of the yellow-gold case, the watch features finely engraved markings, confirming the watchs individual case number, which is below 800.

The reference 5548 is the first watch to be fitted with the ultra-thin, automatic calibre 2120/2800, derived from Jaeger-LeCoultres celebrated . The calibre 2120 was an initial project of Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1967, funded and contributed by Audemars Piguet, and famous for its adoption by Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Audemars Piguet Quantime Perptuel Automatique 5548BA will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Quantime Perptuel is in excellent overall condition showing minimal signs of wear, superficial marks are visible on the polished bezel and the brushed mid case surrounding the pushers consistent with setting the date. Lights scratches are found on the caseback with slight oxidation to the reverse of the lugs. The edge of the bezel and caseback show scuffs, likely due to opening from the mid-case. The lacquered dial shows little signs of age with a minor scratch on the moonphase complication at 6 oclock.