Audemars Piguet’s Millenary Minute Repeater

From Watchmaking legend Audemars Piguet comes this amazing timepiece – the Millenary Minute Repeater fitted with an AP escapement. Of all the complications around today the minute repeater is by far the rarest. The technical savoir faire that is required to produce a grand sonnerie or even a petit sonnerie is seconded only to that of making a tourbillon.

Minute Repeaters started showing up around 1750 and have been a part of watchmaking ever since. For most serious collectors, a collection isn’t complete without at least one of these wondrous creations. This Minute Repeater from Audemars Piguet is fashioned from 18kt pink gold in the classic oval shape of the Millenary series. The case measures 47mm across at its widest point and rides high on the wrist with a case height of 15.29mm. There is a ridged main crown allowing for the quick adjustment of the time. The minute repeater actuator is located at the 9 position and can be activated on demand.

The movement powering this fine gent’s watch is the in house manufactured Audemars Piguet Calibre 2928. This movement is hand wound and carries an impressive power reserve of 165 hours. The escapement is of AP’s design and uses direct impulses as opposed to regular lever escapements. The balance is a variable inertia balance made with inertia blocks. The balance wheel vibrating at a constant 21,600 Vph can be seen through the partially skeletonized dial.

The dial carries two main dials – the first indicates is offset to the left and features the hours and minutes; the second is found at the 6:30 position and shows the seconds. The hands are all blued steel which contrast against the white enamel dials. The strap used is a thick, hand sewn, large square scale crocodile leather secured with an AP folding clasp. The only thing missing on this watch is water resistance which AP says is void in this Millenary Minute Repeater. It is, therefore, advisable that great pains be taken to keep this watch and moisture apart. This watch comes with AP’s 2 year international guarantee.