Audemars Piguet Millenary Star Wheel - 25898ST - Blue dial - Full set

Origin

Making up one-third of the appropriately nicknamed 'Holy Trinity', Audemars Piguet exists in the upper echelon of horology with a history dating back to 1875. During the late 19th century, Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet were two watchmakers who initially operated independently in Switzerland. However, the pair decided they were stronger together, and so, in 1875, they joined forces.

Although many of us think of the Royal Oak when thinking of the brand, Audemars Piguet has a legacy stretching a lot further than a steel sports watch created in the 1970s. Highly complicated creations that push the boundary of expectations demonstrate the watchmaker's commitment to the art of horology. During the late 1980s, Audemars Piguet set out on a mission to develop their own wandering hours complication for a new wristwatch. With origins dating back to the 1700s and a pope who requested a way to tell the time during the night, Audemars Piguet discovered this mesmerising method of timekeeping and began its two-year journey to make it a reality. A registered patent later, in 1992, the first Star Wheel 25720 was released.

The method uses a trio of sapphire disks featuring 1 through 12 numerals with a small arrow at each end. These disks rotate around a central wheel while the current hour works through a minute scale as time passes. As it gets closer to switching over to the next hour, the disks rotate, and the next hour is ready to be displayed. This hugely characterful method of displaying the time is extremely distinctive and, as such, has developed in desirability over the years. In 2000, Audemars Piguet celebrated 125 years of watchmaking and released a special anniversary series of Star Wheel watches in steel and gold and in limited numbers.

The Watch

To commemorate their century and a quarter anniversary, Audemars Piguet produced this Millenary Star Wheel 25898ST. Limited to 125 pieces and cased in stainless steel, this impossibly whimsical creation pairs its novel complication with a beautiful oval case shape, leaving an impression on the wrist like no other. Measuring 41mm wide with a height of 37mm, this extraordinary turn of the century piece certainly needs to be explored to be believed. Its conical bezel features a high polish finish on the top and stepped edge, extending to each prominent lug and contrasting wonderfully with its satin and curved case body. Coming in a hair under 9mm thick, despite its rounded nature, this Millenary Star Wheel is remarkably slender, a feature which becomes even more noteworthy when considering what is happening on its dial.

The base of the dial is complete in a gorgeous royal blue tone, complemented by contrasting applications of white throughout. The most meaningful and relevant white detail is, in fact, its large sweeping arched scale on the right-hand side of the case, counting up to 59. In addition, each trio of sapphire disks features blue digit numerals and the all-important arrow, ensuring accurate time telling can be achieved for each hour. Mirroring the half of the dial dedicated to time reading is the vertically configured arching Audemars Piguet signature along with the 'AP' logo at the conventional twelve position, three stars (naturally), and 'Star Wheel' at what would be six. Despite the sheer amount of playful watchmaking and movement happening in this piece, the dial maintains a refined amount of balance that is additionally appealing to the eye.

Not many pieces tell the time quite as poetically as this Millenary Star Wheel. Charm, wonder, and charisma are abundant with this special steel limited edition.

The Movement

Powering this Audemars Piguet is the Audemars Piguet 2224 calibre based on the Jaeger LeCoultre 889 calibre. This automatic winding movement further impresses with its statistics thanks to 36 jewels, a 22k gold rotor, a supremely slender profile, and a beat rate of 28,800 vph. Furthermore, the movement is adjusted in six positions for good measure.

How It Wears

A lot of the time, certain watches can wear somewhat similar to other pieces from watchmakers. This Millenary Star Wheel, however, is somewhat of a unicorn. From its wide but perfectly narrow case, suitably wide set lugs, and its balanced and personality-rich dial, this 25898ST is a total palette cleanser of a watch. Thanks to its unique case profile and shape, this is a piece perfectly suited to almost any wrist size, making it an excellent watch to be shared with a loved one. Its slenderness cannot be avoided, its allure cannot be denied, and its exclusivity is guaranteed.

Condition

This Audemars Piguet Millenary Star Wheel 25898ST/O/0020VE/01 shows normal signs of wear with some hairline scratches but no serious dents. It is very much in honest condition and is complete as a full set. This includes its outer and inner box, full paperwork, original leaflet, and the iconic AP folding buckle. The watch is sold on a Mr Watchley Smooth Boxed Gold Calf Leather watch strap and dates from 2000.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium.

No stock is kept on site.

* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *