Famed for their Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet is a brand that has permeated most of the watch industry in one way or another. Famed as one of the "Holy Trinity" brands, Audemars Piguet is known to create some of the most exquisite examples of Haute Horlogerie in the market today and the Quantieme Perpetual ref. 5548BA that we have here is no exception. Launched in 1978 the Quantieme Perpetual ref. 5548BA was the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar when it was launched at just 8mm thick, an incredibly impressive feat given that its diameter was not increased to compensate and was kept at a rather svelte 36mm. Featuring a double-stepped domed bezel and short lugs, the ref. 5548BA wears compactly on the wrist, which contrasts the amount of engineering packed within its 36mm frame. Powered by the automatic cal. 2120 movement, which is based on the JLC cal. 920 movement, the ref. 5548BA features four subdials that each indicate one of the functions belonging to its perpetual calendar complication, with the date and day being shown at 3 and 9 o’clock respectively, the months at 12 o’clock and a moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock, with graduations for the Moon’s position just above. To match the warm glow of its golden case, the ref. 5548BA’s dial features gold hands and applied indices that perfectly complement its construction. An incredibly impressive timepiece packed with horology and immaculate craftsmanship, it is timepieces like the ref. 5548BA that remind us why AP hold the position of reverence in watchmaking that they currently occupy to this day.

An impressive timepiece showcasing AP's dedication to their craft as a member of the Holy Trinity, the ref. 5548BA demonstrates exactly why AP is considered one of the greatest watchmakers around to this day.