Audemars Piguet

In 1907, Audemars Piguet developed their first minute repeater wristwatch for John Schaeffer, an American industrialist. This groundbreaking prototype boasted a distinctive cushion-shaped case and showcased John Schaeffer's name as the numerals on the dial. Carrying forward the legacy of the cushion design and incorporating the minute repeater complication, the current iteration, the Répétition Minutes, represents an exceedingly rare horological masterpiece, whose rarity is further enhanced by a limited production run of just 10 pieces.

Notably, this extraordinary timepiece not only houses a minute repeater mechanism within its elegant 33.5 mm platinum case but also presents a captivating dial configuration. The dial features a satellite hour display using three star wheels, which gracefully indicate the time along the minute track positioned at 12 o'clock. This ingenious mechanism involves the use of three transparent sapphire disks, known as star wheels, each adorned with four hour indicators. These disks are fixed to a central rotating wheel. With the turning of the assembly, the hour indicator corresponding to the present time would come into view and subsequently traverse a 120-degree segment representing the minutes. By observing the visible hour indicator aligned with the current minute, one could effectively read the time. Originally, each disk remained concealed until it ascended within the arc where the background provided a contrasting backdrop, rendering the digits clearly legible. When first developed, this mesmerising ‘Star Wheel’ system revolutionised timekeeping, offering a unique and visually captivating method of indicating hours and minutes.

The present watch, number 9 out of 10, features a purple dial that remains partially transparent, providing a tantalizing glimpse into the intricate inner workings of the watch. Overall, this remarkable creation from Audemars Piguet stands as a testament to the brand's exceptional craftsmanship and represents a truly awe-inspiring marvel in the world of horology.