Unveiled in 1971, just a year before the legendary Royal Oak would forever alter the world of luxury sports watches, Audemars Piguet introduced a creation of equal daring and innovation—a timepiece that pushed the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. Featuring a fully integrated bracelet that radiated both elegance and audacity, this extraordinary watch was the brainchild of the visionary Gérald Genta. Nicknamed the “Cobra,” its distinctive white gold bracelet, with its intricate texture, evokes the sinuous, scaled movement of a serpent in motion—a design as bold as it is mesmerizing.

The watch’s dial is a masterclass in balance and sophistication, offering a striking yet harmonious counterpoint to its commanding exterior. Set against a deep blue backdrop, the crisp white subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock create a dynamic symmetry, while the slender 18k white-gold hour markers add a touch of understated refinement. The twin subdials, with their subtle resemblance to the iconic twin-spot pattern of a cobra’s hood, are a clever and elegant nod to the watch’s serpentine muse.

A true testament to Gérald Genta’s genius, the Audemars Piguet “Cobra” stands as a bold chapter in the brand’s storied history. Its seamless fusion of avant-garde aesthetics and technical precision ensures its status as a rare and coveted masterpiece. The present example, preserved in good condition, offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a timepiece that is as iconic as it is enigmatic—a true treasure for those who appreciate the audacity of design and the artistry of watchmaking.

Research with the manufacture shows that the watch was sold in 1984.