The Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle is not merely a watch; it's a horological masterpiece, a testament to human ingenuity and a pinnacle of haute horlogerie. Its price, however, remains shrouded in an almost mythical veil of secrecy – "price on request" being the standard response from authorized dealers. This deliberate ambiguity underscores the exclusivity and bespoke nature of this timepiece. While we cannot definitively state a price, exploring the factors influencing its cost and comparing it to other high-end Audemars Piguet models can shed some light on the staggering sum involved.
The reference 26398BC.OO.D002CR.02, specifically the Ultra-Complication Universelle RD#4 with its white gold case and skeleton dial, represents the most complex watch ever produced by Audemars Piguet. This isn't hyperbole; the sheer number of complications, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the years of development justify this claim. Understanding the price requires a deep dive into the elements contributing to its value.
The Intricacies of the Ultra-Complication Universelle:
The "Universelle" moniker is no exaggeration. This watch boasts an unprecedented level of complication, far exceeding the capabilities of even the most sophisticated mass-produced timepieces. The exact number of complications is often debated among horological experts, but it's safe to say it features dozens, including:
* Grand Complication Functions: This forms the foundation, encompassing a perpetual calendar (tracking dates, months, leap years, and day/night indication), a minute repeater (chimes the time on demand), and a tourbillon (compensates for the effects of gravity on timekeeping).
* Rare and Advanced Complications: Beyond the grand complication core, the Ultra-Complication Universelle likely incorporates several highly specialized and rarely seen complications, potentially including: a split-seconds chronograph, a moon phase indicator with exceptional accuracy, equation of time, sunrise/sunset times, and potentially even astronomical functions like sidereal time.
* Customizable Elements: The "price on request" policy also suggests a degree of bespoke customization. Owners might have the opportunity to tailor certain aspects of the watch, such as the materials used, specific engravings, or even the arrangement of certain complications. This further increases the final cost.
Materials and Craftsmanship:
The choice of materials significantly influences the price. The white gold case is not simply any gold; it's likely high-grade 18k or even platinum, chosen for its durability, luster, and resistance to tarnishing. The intricate skeleton dial showcases the breathtaking movement architecture, requiring an immense level of skill and precision in its creation. The movement itself is hand-finished, with every component meticulously decorated using techniques like *anglage* (beveling), *perlage* (circular graining), and *Côtes de Genève* (Geneva stripes). This painstaking hand-finishing is a hallmark of haute horlogerie and significantly adds to the production time and, consequently, the price.
The Time Investment:
The development and creation of the Ultra-Complication Universelle are not measured in months but in years. The design, prototyping, manufacturing, and meticulous testing require a significant investment of time and resources from Audemars Piguet's most skilled watchmakers. This immense time commitment directly translates into a higher price tag. The watch represents not only the culmination of a single watchmaker's career but the collective expertise of a team working for years on a single, highly complex project.
current url：https://kydfyh.sh-pukun.com/bag/audemars-piguet-ultra-complication-universelle-price-65163
michael kors pyper gold-tone mesh and turquoise watch john daly rolex