Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar with Leap Year Indication

About this reference

Audemars Piguet produced the reference 5516 between 1955 and 1957, with a total production of only 12 units. This reference is historically significant as the first perpetual calendar wristwatch to feature a leap year indicator on the dial. The 36.5mm 18k yellow gold case houses the caliber 13VZSSQP, a manual-wind movement based on a Valjoux ebauche. Collectors distinguish between two primary dial configurations: the first three pieces featured the moon phase at 12 o’clock, while the subsequent nine units placed the moon phase at 6 o’clock with the leap year cycle at 12 o’clock. Due to its extreme rarity and technical importance, the reference 5516 commands prices in the high-six-figure to low-seven-figure range. A notable example sold at auction in 2015 for over $540,000, though current market valuations for well-preserved specimens often exceed $1,000,000.