Audemars Piguet - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1941
    Reference No: 1533
    Movement No: 45'603
    Case No: 45'603
    Material: Stainless steel and pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, 13VZAH, 22 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Ostrich
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 36 mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet vintage chronograph wristwatches are amongst the rarest wristwatches one can find, with only 286 examples made between the 1930s through the 1950s.

    The present example made in 1941 is exceedingly rare, as it is oversized for the time period and encased in both steel and pink gold. According to the Audemars Piguet archives, only three stainless steel and gold chronograph wristwatches with the present case design were manufactured in 1941 and later sold in 1943, and the example offered here is the only one with such a rose-champagne colored dial.

    The dial also features a stunning and over-the-top art deco “12”, three subsidiary dials and a tachometer scale around the outer rim of the dial. A beautiful subtlety is the number “45” printed above the 15 minute mark inside the 30-minute register to allow the wearer to record up to 45 minutes. The teardrop lugs are elegantly designed, adding contrast to the dial and pink gold bezel, oval-shaped pushers and crown.

    This watch is presented in exceptional overall condition, and is a rare find for any vintage chronograph collector.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    A specialist in the manufacture of complications since it was established in 1881, Audemars Piguet never ceases to impress with a rich history of creating bold, even audacious, timepieces underpinned by traditional watchmaking at its finest. This Le Brassus-based Swiss manufacturer is one of only two major manufacturers still owned by the founding family. Since its earliest days, AP is considered a leader in the field of minute repeaters and grande complication pocket and wristwatches. The brand is devoted to preserving the history of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, showcased at their superb museum in Le Brassus.

    Today, the brand is best known for its Royal Oak models, a revolutionary luxury sports watch launched in 1972. Other key models include early minute repeating wristwatches, vintage chronograph wristwatches, such as the oversized reference 5020, perpetual calendar watches and the Royal Oak Offshore, first introduced in 1993.

    View More Works

Σ234

Ref. 1533
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch with teardrop lugs and rose champagne-colored dial

1941
36 mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 

Sold for CHF305,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm