Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 5403BC
    Movement No: 145’668
    Case No: 87’937
    Model Name: 'Cobra'
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet integrated bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Audemars Piguet deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 34mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
    Accessories: Delivered by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming its register date of the present timepiece on 3rd July 1974.

  • Catalogue Essay

    An eclectic era, the seventies never cease to amaze where beautiful, stand out designs populate the decade. From the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Vacheron Constantin 222 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that dominates the modern taste of sports luxury watches, to the extravagant designs like the Piaget Polo, Rolex King Midas all with one thing in common, integrated bracelets. And perhaps for a few of those icons the household name Gerald Genta, including the present Audemars Piguet ‘Cobra’.

    Coined with the venomous nickname by collectors with its flashy design, the Audemars Piguet ref. 5403 was introduced in 1971, a sibling of the Royal Oak ref. 5402 that transformed into a scale-like appearance. Flawlessly comfortable, Genta took integrated bracelet to the next level. Designed with seamlessness and single entity in mind, Genta described it as “magnificent and perfect integration”. The bracelet is composed of ten, very thick polish-mesh links gradually widened to embrace the dial.

    The present ‘Cobra’ is born in white gold and features an iconic sunburst blue dial bedazzled with diamond-indexes. Preserved in stunning condition, the dial also bears the early Audemars Piguet signature and a cursive Automatic designation that can be found on early production of the timepieces. This beauty was born in 1974 confirmed by the Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives. Fatally attractive and fitting for those who welcomes attention on the wrist, this would be a must have in your collection.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

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927

Ref. 5403BC
A rare, early and well-preserved white gold wristwatch with diamond-set indexes, date and integrated mesh bracelet

1974
34mm diameter
Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 240,000 
€19,200-28,800
$20,500-30,800

Sold for HK$292,100

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024