The world of haute horlogerie is filled with intricate mechanisms, hidden complexities, and whispered histories. While the names Audemars Piguet and their iconic Royal Oak instantly conjure images of luxury and prestige, the inner workings of their movements often remain shrouded in mystery, even to seasoned collectors. This article delves into one such mystery: the Audemars Piguet 1120 center wheel, a component intimately linked to the calibres 2120 and 2121, and its fascinating connection to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Understanding this seemingly minor component requires unpacking a larger narrative of collaboration, design, and the evolution of watchmaking technology.
The Audemars Piguet Archives hold a crucial piece of this puzzle: a 1970 decoration table for Calibres 2120 and 2121, explicitly referencing the VC 1120/1121 designation. This seemingly simple document unlocks a significant chapter in the history of Audemars Piguet's movement production. The "VC" prefix hints at a crucial relationship, one that points directly to the influence of Jaeger-LeCoultre (then known as LeCoultre & Cie) on the development of these movements. The reference to LeCoultre Cie Plan 24131a further solidifies this connection, revealing that Audemars Piguet utilized a pre-existing Jaeger-LeCoultre design as a foundation for their own calibres.
This is not an uncommon practice in the watchmaking world. Smaller manufacturers often collaborate with or source movements from larger entities, allowing them to focus on their core competencies – in Audemars Piguet's case, design, finishing, and case construction. The 2120 and 2121 calibres, while bearing the Audemars Piguet name, are therefore products of a collaborative effort, drawing heavily on the expertise and existing technology of Jaeger-LeCoultre. The 1120 center wheel, therefore, is not just a component; it's a tangible link to this shared history.
The significance of the center wheel itself shouldn't be underestimated. In a mechanical watch, the center wheel is the heart of the gear train, directly connected to the minute hand and responsible for distributing power to the other wheels governing seconds, hours, and potentially complications like date or chronograph functions. Its design, material, and precision directly impact the accuracy and longevity of the timepiece. While the exact specifications of the Audemars Piguet 1120 center wheel remain elusive without access to detailed technical drawings from the archives, its function remains constant: to precisely transfer rotational energy from the mainspring to the rest of the movement.
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