This thoroughly skeletonised and open work variation of the original Audemars Piguet Quantime Perptuel*, originally retailed in Palermo, Italy in 1990. The reference 25668, with a 36mm yellow gold case, showcases the intricate inner workings of this most hallowed of complications. It is powered by the self-winding calibre 2120, which isnt just skeletonised but lavishly hand engraved. It is understood that only 94 examples of this reference were produced in yellow gold.

One of a family of references that descended from the original ultra-thin Quantime Perptuel 5548, the reference 25668 was created in the late 1980s, following the earlier 25558, with production continuing till the middle of the 1990s. It retains the original layout designed by Jacqueline Dimier the perpetual calendar indications are laid out in an intuitive fashion, with the day and date on the same plane at 9 and 3 oclock respectively. The months are displayed at 12 oclock, while the moonphase indication is at 6 oclock, with a semi-circular graduated scale for the indication.

The original owner purchased this watch in Palermo in 1990 and held on to it for decades. It is a relatively early example, as evidenced by the small font on the brand mark. It wears a slim, classical yellow gold case with a pronounced stepped bezel, a horizontally satinated midcase, and a display caseback with a rim on which are engraved details of the reference, brand mark, country of origin, and serial number. As is typical of the reference, while the correctors for the annual calendar complications are located on the midcase, the caseback features prominent bulges to accommodate their circular form. These are however not as prominent as the earlier cases seen in the 25558, which were upgraded for the 25668. The left flank also wears the crisp, precious metal hallmarks. The lugs are short and straight, gently tapering down. They are 20mm apart and wear curved bars with a black alligator grained strap from the brand. The strap is secured by a signed yellow gold pin buckle.

The dial furniture includes a cream-coloured chemin de fer minutes track with black printing. The subdials are framed by rims of the same warm shade with black printed scales. The moonphase complication is a golden disc, blued to a brilliant shade, save for the moons and the stars. Half of the register is taken up by a transparent screen on which is printed the branding in a simple, small san serif font. The hours and minutes hands are golden, while the ones plying the calendar complications are heat blued.

The watch is powered by the self-winding calibre 2120, an ultra-thin movement that was derived from Jaeger-LeCoultres famed calibre 920. The ebauche resulted from a 1967 project at Jaeger LeCoultre, that Audemars Piguet funded and contributed to. The resulting calibre 920 was adopted by Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin. In its golden, skeletonised iteration here, it is especially jewel-like to the eye. Visible through the sapphire caseback, almost all components have not just been skeletonised to their basic structures, but they have been further embellished by hand engraving. The solid gold rotor also gets this skeletonised treatment, creating a stylised AP. The rim wears a beautiful floral motif repeated remarkably consistently. On the rotor are hand etched details such as the brand mark, country of origin, jewel count, and the five positions the movement has been adjusted for.

It is understood that 205 examples of the reference 25668 were produced over a decade long run, with 94 of them in yellow gold.

The watch comes with its outer box, a leather-clad watch winder from Audemars Piguet as well as an Italian user manual and movement paperwork also in Italian, denoting the unique movement number of the watch and the date in which the calendar was set before leaving the workshop. It is a remarkable example of one of the most sought-after iterations of this reference.

Closer look

Condition

This Audemars Piguet Quantime Perptuel Skeleton 25668 is in very good overall condition. The case and lugs show signs of wear and superficial marks consistent with moderate wear over time. More specifically throughout the bezel and lower right lug. Oxidation and warm patina are present throughout the case, lugs, caseback, and buckle. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfections and have been well preserved. The hallmarks on the left side of the mid-case and engravings on the case-back rim are extremely sharp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.