To our knowledge, it is believed that only 40 examples of the reference were produced and within 30 examples were encased in platinum and only 10 examples in white gold. With its caseback inscribed no.001, the present watch is indeed the very first example of the reference that was produced. Not only is the case interesting but the blue “Tuscan” dial is what cements the present example as a truly fascinating timepiece. The present example Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar featuring a special platinum 36mm diameter case with decorated corners is a very rare example from the specific era of the cal. Since then, more than 7,000 perpetual calendar wristwatches produced from 1978 – 1993 were utilizing the cal. Developed by four key members of the firm, Michel Rochat, Wilfred Berney, Jean-Daniel Golay and Georges Golay, the self-winding perpetual finally came into life in 1978. During the period, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe were the only manufacturers serially producing perpetual calendar wristwatches. 2120/2800 was quite frantically unheard of during a time when most were shifting their resources into quartz technology. Amidst the heights of the quartz crisis, the creation of the cal. Mechanically impressive, the possibilities were endless when it came to design, materials and craftsmanship, the Le Brassus-based manufacture certainly did not shy when it came to experimentation, offering collectors with a wide array of choices to cater towards the vibrant trend of the era. While Audemars Piguet have established one of the most cherished and respected presence in the world of horology through their renowned timepieces such as the Royal Oak, the firm was also creating some of the most magnificent perpetual calendars with the release of their first self-winding perpetual calendar in 1978 being the world’s thinnest.

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