Audemars Piguet Ref. 5559 Skeletonized Perpetual Calendar Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1985
Maker / issuer
Audemars PiguetThis Audemars Piguet Ref. 5559 is an 18K yellow gold, skeletonized pocket watch featuring a perpetual calendar and moon phase display. Originally sold in September 1985, the watch is constructed with a three-body, polished gold case protected by sapphire crystals.
The dial design incorporates an outer chapter ring with painted black Roman numerals, an inner minute track, and four subsidiary dials managing the calendar functions, including months, leap year cycle, days of the week, date, and moon phase age. It is powered by the gilt, hand-engraved Caliber 502 movement, which is equipped with 20 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic compensation balance, and a self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring.
The watch is complemented by blued steel cathedral hands and remains signed on the dial, case, and movement. The ensemble includes two certificates of origin, a leather pouch, and a green leather folder.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Perpetual calendar pocket watch
- Maker
- Audemars Piguet
- Jewels
- 20
- Caliber
- 502
- Diameter
- 49 mm
- Sold Date
- September 1985
- Case Number
- B78865
- Movement Number
- 263701
- Maker / attribution
- Audemars Piguet
Design
- Case and Dial
- The timepiece is housed in a three-body, solid 18K yellow gold case featuring a polished finish. The design relies on sapphire crystals to provide visibility into the skeletonized interior. The dial is an integral part of the skeletonized display, featuring painted black Roman numerals positioned on an outer chapter ring. It includes an inner minute track and four distinct subsidiary dials that indicate the months, four-year leap year cycle, days of the week, and calendar date. A specific aperture for moon phases and the age of the moon is also present. Blued steel cathedral hands are used to track the time.
- Visible features
- • Painted black Roman numeral hour markers on the chapter ring • Blued steel cathedral-style hands • Moon phase aperture featuring the Audemars Piguet signature • Exposed, hand-engraved gilt movement plates
- Movement and Escapement
- At the heart of the watch is the Caliber 502, a gilt movement that is fully hand-engraved to match the skeletonized aesthetic. The movement functions using 20 jewels. The technical architecture of the movement includes a straight-line lever escapement. Timekeeping stability is managed by a monometallic compensation balance paired with a self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The watch is identified by movement number 263701 and case number B78865. Documentation indicates the piece was originally sold in September 1985. The auction house notes the watch was previously in the possession of an original Japanese owner. Accompanying the watch is a comprehensive set of accessories. This includes two official certificates of origin, a protective leather pouch, and a green leather folder containing various related leaflets.
Identification
- Reference
- 5559
- Serial number
- B78865
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description recommends a mechanical overhaul for the movement.
- Research required: The case condition is graded as slightly scratched.