Audemars Piguet timepieces from the mid-twentieth century are often considered by collectors as icons due to their exquisite quality, superb- sometimes revolutionary- aesthetics, technical ingenuity, and extremely limited production numbers.

Rarity takes a very new meaning when taking in consideration that Audemars Piguet produced only 20 chronographs with a full calendar function between 1941 and1943 with dials and cases differing either fundamentally or in minor details.

Such a small production combined with the little information publicly available about the topic resulted in very obscure field, until the publication by Audemars Piguet “Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches”, which combines all available archive information on complicated timepieces made by the company during the past century. Thanks to Audemars Piguet’s efforts, new information about the models produced is available.

According to the said "Complicated Wristwatches" book the present photo reference 831 was made in only 10 pieces of which 8 were in yellow gold.

Regarding the present piece, the archives indicate that it bears photo reference number 831 made on 14 August 1943.

The design of the watch is a gem of equilibrium and balance. The short thick lugs and large opening to the dial give it definitive wrist presence whereas the three tone dial with its cream main plate, salmon chronograph indicators and silver calendar section provide an incredible theatrical and charismatic effect.

This masterpiece’s leek style, along with its superb condition and rarity make it amongst the most attractive vintage wristwatches a collector could hope to own.