How many watches leave a really lasting impression? Oh sure, there are watches you see and like, maybe even thinking to yourself, “yep, I’m going to add that to my collection”, but how many reach that heady place where fantasy and reality get kinda blurry, and you start feeling like Indiana Jones questing after the mythical Holy Grail - The Audemars Piguet Grande Complication?

No doubt there is a list of timepieces that occupy this rarified realm–extremely complicated masterpieces from the ancient and great watchmaking houses, or some of the most gifted independent watchmakers alive today. One of the greatest in this category is the Audemars Piguet Grande Complication watch. Of course, I’ve read about this extraordinary watch numerous times over the years, but having recently handled the Jules Audemars version of this legend, I can say that “appreciation” takes on a whole new meaning.

Ever wonder what 654 individual, hand-finished pieces look like all snuggled together in a remarkably small space? Peer through the caseback, and you will have your answer—certainly one of the most beautiful movements ever built by anyone; even the massive solid gold rotor, hand engraved and carved with the “AP” signature makes an impression you just don’t forget. Pick up a loupe, and forget about any commitment you might immediately have–you are going to be happily engrossed, trust me. And thats BEFORE you start playing with the perpetual calendar, split-seconds chronograph, and minute repeater complications…

What else is there to say? The minute repeater sounded wonderful. Above all else, the Grande Complication possesses a subtlety and classic beauty that doesn’t explicity advertise the breathtaking complexity (and price tag) this watch commands. According to Audemars Piguet, only a few of their most experienced master watchmakers are capable of building the Grande Complication watch, an arduous task of micro-mechanical virtuosity that occupies these elite craftsmen for over a year.