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The Perpetual Calendar: Exploring Standout Examples from the Sotheby's Archive

The Perpetual Calendar: Exploring Standout Examples from the Sotheby's Archive

A marvel of technical excellence perfected by many of the world's finest watchmakers, the perpetual calendar complication remains highly popular with collectors. In this article we explore five extraordinary examples sold by our Sotheby's watch experts.
A marvel of technical excellence perfected by many of the world's finest watchmakers, the perpetual calendar complication remains highly popular with collectors. In this article we explore five extraordinary examples sold by our Sotheby's watch experts.

P 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:erpetual calendar watches r🥂epresent the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking in their abi🅷lity to demonstrate both technical mastery and aesthetic harmony.

With the functionality to automatically adjust for the varying lengths of months and leap years, the perpetual cal𝓀endar complication is among the most coveted♓ by collectors of high horology.

A number of brands at the forefront of fine watchmaking have drawn upon the per🐭petual calendar for their high complication models. Here we explore five standout perpetual calendar watches from the Sotheby’s archives𒉰.

Patek Philippe Reference 1518, Circa 1948, 9,570,900 USD

Patek Philippe Reference 1518, Circa 1948

This remarkable 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Patek Philippe Reference 1518 sold for 9,570,90🤡0 USD in December 2021, significantly exce𓂃eding its high estimate of 2,200,000 USD.

Patek Philippe holds a prominent place in the history of the perpetual calendar watch, having been the first brand to serially produce them. The Patek Philippe Reference 1518 was launched in 1941 as a groundbreaking model, not only for Patek Philippe but for the entire fine watchmaking industry. It was the world’s first perpetual calendar ch♈ronograph to be produced in series, setting a new standard for complicated watches. This model has become a symbol of the brand’s technical excellence and timeless desiﷺgn aesthetic.

Patek Philippe Reference 1518, Circa 1948

This particular example of the Patek Philippe Reference 1518 was one of the rarest configurations, with only 58 known examples. Even more extraordinary, it featured a matching pink dial to its p𓃲ink gold case, a combination seen in just 14 examples to date.

This perpetual calendar watch was originally owned by Prince Tewfik Adil Toussou๊n of Egypt, a descendant of Egyptian royalty. Purchased in 1951ꦗ, the watch remained in the Prince’s possession until his passing.

Remarkably preserved, the watch had seen very little wear, having spent most of its life in a safety deposit🦩 box. Adding to its historical significance, the watch arrived at auction complete with its original Certifi♎cate of Origin, operating instructions, and Patek Philippe presentation case.

Patek Philippe Reference 1518, Circa 1948

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel Reference 25554BA, Circa 1985, 330,200 CHF

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel Reference 25554BA, Circa 1985

This 🦄168开奖官方♛开奖网站查询:Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel sold for 330,200 CHF in November 2023.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after models in fine 🔴watchmaking. In 1984, the brand added a new dimension to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection by introducing the perpetual calendar complication.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel, was a testament to the brand’s innova🌜tion, featuring♚ an ultra-thin case that housed one of the thinnest perpetual calendar movements ever produced.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quantième Perpetuel Reference 25554BA, Circa 1985

This perpetual calendar reference, produced between 1984 and 1992, was an especially rare and highly coveted piece as one of only 223 examples mad💛e in yellow gold. The black dial version added a striking contrast to the gold case and bracelet, which when punctuated with t꧋he moonphase wheel made it one of the most desirable configurations.

The absence of a leap year indicator further emphasized the watch’s rarity, with the feature only introdu🐠ced in later models.

A. Lange & Söhne Reference 740.056FE, Circa 2021, 2,540,000 HKD

A. Lange & Söhne Reference 740.056FE, Circa 2021

This A. Langeﷺ & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Referencꦓe 740.056FE sold for 2,540,000 HKD in April 2024, exceeding its high ⛄♎estimate of 2,000,000 HKD.

A. Lange & Söhne has long been renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, and its approach to the perpetual calendar is no exception. Introduced in 2016, the Datogr🌳aph Perpetual Tourbillon combined some of the most complex watchmaking feats:ཧ a perpetual calendar, flyback chronograph, and tourbillon. The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, showcased the brand’s expertise in creating intricate mechanisms that are as beautiful as they are functional.

A. Lange & Söhne Reference 740.056FE, Circa 2021

This 2021 limited edition perpetual calendar watch, with only 100 pieces produced, featured a white gold case paired with a salmon-colored dial—a first for the brand. The warm hue of the dial contrasted elegantly with the cool white gold case, offering both technical mastery and modern aesthetic appeal. The addition of a tourbillo♋n set this watch apart from other perpetual calendars, making it a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge watchmaking.

A. Lange & Söhne Reference 740.056FE, Circa 2021

Audemars Piguet Reference 26585CE.OO.1225CE.01, Circa 2019, 302,400 USD

Audemars Piguet Reference 26585CE.OO.1225CE.01, Circa 2019

This 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:Audemar🔜s Piguet Reference 26585🌺CE.OO.1225CE.01 sold for 302,400 USD in December 2022.

Audemars Piguet's innovation in perpetual calendars was exemplified once again in this 2019 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked. This model combined the avant-garde aestheti♈c of skeletonization with the technical prowess of perpetual calendar functionality. The open-worked dial revealed the intricate workings of the 374-component Cal💟iber 5135 movement.

The case and bracelet of this perpetual calendar watch were crafted entirely in black ceramic, a material known for its durability, lightness, and scratch resistance. This contemporary material choice, combined with the traditional perpetual calendar complication, made this Audemars Piguet watch a perfect fusion of past 🅷anꩲd present.

The skeletonized version quickly became one of the most cove💃ted Audemars Piguet Royal Oak perpetual calendar models, underscoring the brand’s continued leadership in both fine watchmaking design and technical innovation.

Audemars Piguet Reference 26585CE.OO.1225CE.01, Circa 2019

Vianney Halter Antiqua, Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar, Circa 2006, 277,200 USD

Vianney Halter Antiqua, Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar, Circa 2006

This Vianney Halter Antiq𝔉ua Pink Gold Perpetual Calenda🌳r watch sold for 277,200 USD in December 2022 during Sotheb🥀y's Important Watches sale in New York.

The Vianney Halter Antiqua represented a radical departure fro♐m traditional watch design. Introduced in 1998 as the brand’s first watch, this creation was part🍷 of the Futur Antérieur collection, which combined a retro-futuristic aesthetic with advanced horological complications.

Halter, a member of the independent watchmaking scene, was known for challenging conventional design. The Vianney Haꦐlter Antiqua watch’s asymmetrical case a♔nd porthole-style subdials certainly reflected that ethos.

The perpetual calendar complication was displayed across multiple subdials, each with their own distinctive layout. The intricate details of the dial, which were hand-engraved and filled with black resin, hiꦗghlight the craftsmanship involved in each watch. With only a handful of pieces produced each year, the Vianney Halter Antiqua Perpetual Calendar watch was a rare and highly collectible model. This pink gold example was in pristine condition and came complete with all original accessories, making it a true collector’s piece.

Vianney Halter Antiqua, Pink Gold Perpetual Calendar, Circa 2006


Buying or Selling Perpetual Calendar Watches at Sotheby's

At Sotheby’s our watch experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary perpetual calendar watches to market, making us well placed to advise on the sale or acquisition of a watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.

Trust our worldwide network of leading watch 168开奖官方开奖网站查询:specialists from a globally renowned auction house establi🔯shed in 1744.

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