In 1967, Audemars Piguet in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Patek Philippe, set to find a reliable ultra-thin movement, which today is known by collectors as the calibre 2120. At 2.45mm height, the rotor was not put on top of the movement, rather it was attached to a rail on the side of the movement allowing for a thinner case. The movement went on to power such legendary and iconic timepieces as Audemars Piguet Royal Oak released in 1972 and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus reference 3700, introduced in 1976.

The present reference 5273 with the calibre 2120 is a wonderful distillation of 1970s horology. With inexpensive quartz movements encroaching on traditional luxury Swiss watchmaking, brands sought to create modern masters that appealed to a new clientele seeking timepieces that were less formal than their father’s watch. The reference 5273 is made in stainless steel for durability indoors and out. With the calibre 2120, the case is thin sitting well on the wrist, and with the screw-down back, it has more waterproof capability than traditional snapback wristwatches.

In excellent condition, with unpolished case and clean original dial, this wristwatch makes a wonderful addition to collectors seeking rare and historically important watches that demonstrate the wide diversity of horology.