AUDEMARS PIGUET. A VERY FINE AND RARE 18K GOLD CUSHION-SHAPED SKELETONISED MINUTE REPEATING WRISTWATCH SIGNED AUDEMARS PIGUET, REPETITION MINUTES, JOHN SCHAEFFER MODEL, NO. 4, REF. 25761, MOVEMENT NO. 412'782, CASE NO. D48860, CIRCA 1998 Movement: Cal. 2866, manual, 32 jewels, minute repeating on two gongs, signed Dial: Skeletonised, signed Case: Slide on the band for minute repeating, glazed display back secured by 4 screws, 33 mm. wide, 41 mm. overall length, signed With: 18k gold Audemars Piguet buckle and presentation box
Audemars Piguet manufactured their first minute repeating wristwatch in 1907 for the renowned American industrialist John Schaeffer. This customised pioneer version was housed in a cushion-shaped case, the numerals on the dial were personalised with the letters of his name instead of numerals. In the early 1990s, Audemars Piguet launched the “John Shaeffer” limited edition series, paying tribute to the original “coussin tortue” or “cushion turtle” design.