This exceptionally rare Audemars Piguet Ref. 14259BC houses the legendary Calibre 2003SQ, the openworked variation of the historic Calibre 2003, introduced in 1952. Measuring an extraordinary 1.64 mm, this ultra-thin movement set new standards in mechanical miniaturisation and remains one of the most celebrated hand-wound calibres of the 20th century.
In 1970, just as the quartz crisis loomed, Audemars Piguet made the bold decision to openwork this ultra-thin mechanism. Opting for bridges and plates crafted from 14-carat gold, the Manufacture embarked on a meticulous five-year journey to complete the first 250 pieces. This intricate operation demanded a combination of skill, expertise, and patience. Over approximately 25 years, only 3,460 Calibre 2003 blanks were purchased for skeletonisation, with the most exclusive interpretations produced in very small numbers — making pieces like this exceptionally rare.
This model is limited to 88 pieces, making it one of the most elusive skeletonised dress watches from Audemars Piguet. Its fully skeletonised dial reveals the intricate hand-engraving of the movement, offering a captivating view into the mechanics beneath, while the white-gold case underscores its elegance and exclusivity.
For the discerning collector, the 14259BC is more than a timepiece: it is a masterpiece of horology, combining AP’s pioneering skill in ultra-thin watchmaking with the artistry of skeletonisation, and representing one of the finest examples of 20th-century haute horlogerie.
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