Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1943 Reference No: Photo reference 831 Movement No: 45'978 Case No: 45'978 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13VZAQ Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Register confirming production of the watch in 1943
Catalogue Essay
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.
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.