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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Minute-repeating wristwatch

Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Ref. 25936 BA

Partially verified

This Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon wristwatch, reference 25936 BA, is a manual-winding timepiece cased in 18K yellow gold. Produced between 1997 and 1999, this model is one of five examples manufactured in this metal, part of a limited edition run. The watch features a round case, measuring 39 mm in diameter, with a sapphire-crystal case-back secured by five screws. The dial is silver-coloured with a guilloché pattern and a subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is the calibre 2890, which provides minute-repeater functions, as well as Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie striking modes using three gongs. The assembly includes a twin-barrel differential-winding system. The timepiece is presented on a black leather strap with an 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp. Accessories include an original fitted box, a magnifying glass, and an extract from the archives.

Front view of the Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon reference 25936 BA in 18K yellow gold.
Front view of the Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon reference 25936 BA in 18K yellow gold. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Minute-repeating wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet
Reference
25936 BA
Catalogue / lot identifier
243
Source-reported date
circa 1997-1999
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
E 28 790

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a round, 18K yellow gold case measuring 39 mm in diameter. The design incorporates a silver-coloured dial embellished with an engine-turned guilloché pattern. Roman numerals mark the hour positions, complemented by a subsidiary seconds sub-dial located at the 6 o'clock position. The case-back is fitted with sapphire crystal, which is held in place by five screws, providing visibility to the internal mechanical movement.

The exterior of the watch features a black leather strap secured by an 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp. The overall configuration of the dial and case is consistent with the Grande Sonnerie Carillon model designation, with the case displaying the specific reference 25936 BA.

Evidence for this section
  • “round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, with sapphire-crystal case-back screwed by five screws”
  • “silver colour guilloché (engine-turned) dial with subsidiary seconds at 6”

Movement and Striking Mechanism

The movement is the Audemars Piguet calibre 2890, a manual-winding mechanism featuring a twin-barrel differential-winding system. The movement includes a minute-repeater function with a carillon that strikes on three gongs. It is capable of both Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie modes; in the former, it strikes the hour and quarter every 15 minutes, while in the latter, it strikes only the full hour.

Technical documentation notes that the calibre 2890 was produced in a limited run of 48 examples.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 2890”
  • “minute-repeater à poussoir with carillon on three gongs, Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie”
  • “The Cal. 2890 was produced in 48 examples only”

Signatures and Provenance

The watch is signed on the dial, the case, and the movement. The serial numbers identified are movement number 456 616 and case number E 28 790. The piece is identified as one of five produced in 18K yellow gold within a limited edition series of thirteen examples across varying case materials.

The lot includes an original fitted box, a magnifying glass, and an extract from the archives.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial, Case and Movement”
  • “One on the only 5 made 18K yellow gold”
  • “Extract from the Archives”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific functionality of the slide or button observed on the case flank in relation to the carillon mechanism?
  • How does the twin-barrel differential-winding system manage the power reserve for both the striking mechanism and the timekeeping?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Audemars Piguet Grande Sonnerie Carillon Ref. 25936 BA
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAudemars Piguet“Audemars Piguet”
Reference25936 BA“Reference 25936 BA”
Movement Calibre2890“Calibre 2890”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold”
Production Years1997-1999“produced between 1997 and 1999”
Case NumberE 28 790“Case No. E 28 790”
Movement Number456 616“Movement No. 456 616”
FunctionsMinute-repeater, Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie“minute-repeater à poussoir with carillon on three gongs, Grande Sonnerie and Petite Sonnerie”

Visible details

  • Silver guilloché dial with Roman numerals
  • Three-gong carillon striking mechanism
  • Black leather strap with gold deployant clasp
  • Exhibition case-back showing movement details

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the movement requires an overhaul at the buyer's expense
  • The auction description notes the movement was produced in a total of 48 examples, while the specific reference was produced in 13 examples

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

AUDEMARS PIGUET REF. 25936, MINUTE-REPEATER, GRANDE ET PETITE SONNERIE ON THREE GONGS; “GRANDE SONNERIE CARILLON”; LIMITED EDITION; 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d6d2045ae4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other minute-repeating wristwatch records