Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1950 Reference No: 5514 Movement No: 55'892 Case No: 55'892 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9/10RSQ, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Dimensions: 25mm Width and 25mm Length Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Rare is a word that can hardly start to describe vintage Audemars Piguet complicated watches like the present triple calendar with moonphases, merging exquisite quality, superb aesthetics and technical ingenuity.
Audemars Piguet created its first calendar wristwatch, based on the 10HPVM movement, in 1924 for Swiss watch retailer Gübelin. In the following years Audemars Piguet housed this caliber in different case shapes from rectangular, to cushion, tortue, and round.
According to the book “Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches” published by the brand, only 22 watches (in yellow, pink and white gold) of the model 5514 were made between 1945to 1950 but only 6 are known.
This model is immediately identifiable by its square case and tear drop lugs, that were later replaced by elongated lugs in the 1960s.
Not only a technical marvel, Audemars Piguet has managed to design a balanced and a very legible dial with large text.
The case is also in excellent condition with a nice crisp hallmark to the case flank.
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.