To mark its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet is unveiling a limited-edition pocket watch that blends historical heritage with high complications, showcasing its exceptional craftsmanship.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet has unveiled a truly exceptional pocket watch that blends historical heritage with high complications. This model pays tribute to the manufacture’s greatest achievements while showcasing its contemporary craftsmanship. A fine example of combining tradition and innovation, isn’t it?
A Modernized Piece of History
The 150 Heritage pocket watch is a very limited edition, according to official statements from Audemars Piguet. The brand plans to produce two pieces in platinum and eight in white gold, though production has not yet begun. Its hand-engraved case measures 50 mm in diameter and features a remarkable artistic finish. The translucent blue Grand Feu enamel dial lends the watch a precious luster and a sophisticated aesthetic.
Inside, this one-of-a-kind timepiece is powered by the hand-wound Caliber 1150. According to the manufacturer, this movement features 40 functions and 22 complications, including a minute repeater, a Grande Sonnerie, a flyback split-seconds chronograph, a flying tourbillon, and a perpetual calendar. However, an article on the spring 2026 new releases indicates that the movement may have 47 functions and 30 complications, highlighting a slight discrepancy in the figures provided—possibly due to different counting methods or sources of information. In any case, these figures attest to the complexity of this exceptional timepiece.
The Universal Calendar: A Leap into Astronomy and Culture
On the back of the case, one can see the Universal Calendar, a self-synchronizing lunisolar mechanism independent of the main movement. It tracks solar, lunar, and lunisolar cycles, displaying solstices, moon phases, and religious dates such as Easter, Ramadan, the Chinese New Year, and Diwali. This mechanical calculator displays 18 markers, and its readings will remain synchronized until 2099, according to the brand.
This design draws inspiration from the brand’s iconic pocket watches: the Universelle from 1899 and the Grosse Pièce from 1921. The brand notes that this 150 Heritage echoes these historic models, thereby bridging the gap between past and present.
The context of this creation is also symbolic. With Audemars Piguet’s recent acquisition of the famous Grosse Pièce, the brand intends to preserve and study this unique heritage, which will soon be on display at the museum-workshop in Le Brassus and on tour at various AP Houses. This project underscores the brand’s commitment to sharing its heritage with the public.
The finely engraved details—such as the hand-crafted 18-karat white gold Roman numerals and the handcrafted platinum chain—highlight the brand’s masterful craftsmanship. The brand has also incorporated ergonomic improvements, notably pushers designed to optimize tactile comfort.
A Symbolic Timepiece
The creation of the 150 Heritage coincides with Audemars Piguet’s 150th anniversary, marking a moment to celebrate its rich history while showcasing its modern innovations. The “all-at-the-crown” function, which allows all date settings to be adjusted using only the crown, exemplifies this commitment to blending practicality with tradition. Two new Royal Oak models—the brand’s iconic timepiece—in steel and “sand gold” will also be unveiled during this anniversary, showcasing the breadth of the brand’s collection.
To mark this anniversary, an exhibition titled “La Maison des Merveilles” has opened at the Audemars Piguet museum-workshop in Le Brassus. It invites the public to explore the brand’s history through its creations, artisans, and craftsmanship, complemented by masterclasses and educational initiatives.
In short, the 150 Heritage perfectly illustrates Audemars Piguet’s commitment to preserving its heritage while innovating. Combining historical inspiration, complex mechanisms, meticulous finishes, and a resolutely forward-looking spirit, this rare, limited-edition piece attests to the brand’s commitment to excellence. It remains to be seen how it will be received by collectors, but one thing is certain: this pocket watch is a true living testament to the art of watchmaking.