Audemars Piguet “26003BC Jules Audemars” Equation of Time

Description

Up for grabs is a wonderful Audemars Piguet “Equation of Time” complicated wristwatch from their Jules Audemars line, reference 26003BC, in 18kt white gold.  In addition to the calendar functions of the watch, the equation of time was noteworthy and groundbreaking for its ability to “show the difference between “true” solar time (determined by the Sun’s position in the sky) and “mean” solar time (as indicated by manmade clocks based on a steady 24 hours a day). Due to Earth’s elliptical (and not circular) orbit, the Sun can be ahead of mean solar time by as much as 16 minutes or behind by as much as 14 minutes—the two times only perfectly align four days a year. The Jules Audemars Equation of Time watch displays the difference via a sun-tipped hand pointing to a -15/+15-minute scale around the periphery of the dial.”  This particular example comes complete, with its original Audemars Piguet inner and outer box and original Certificate of Authenticity booklet.