Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1940 Movement No: 48’968 Case No: 25’862 Model Name: Mauboussin Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present timepiece features a dial with an early signature “Audemars Piguet & Co Geneve”. When the firm first started to sign its watches in the early 20th century, the city of Geneva was frequently mentioned on the dial, this indication gradually disappeared during the 1950s.
Part of the early era, the present timepiece is presented with an unusual configuration. Most notable is its unconventional faceted lugs, also known as the spider lugs due to its resemblance and silhouette of an arachnid. The case back is further stamped with the mark of French Jeweller, Mauboussin, congruent with the eagle head hallmark stamped on the inside case back, commonly seen on French made gold jewellery. Distinguished with an elegant art deco appeal, this time-only specimen offers the art of simplicity with a subtle touch of allure, and is surely an appealing and desirable honest example for vintage collectors.
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.
