Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1971 Reference No: 5273 Movement No: 125'815 Case No: 65'780 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2120, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, signed Gay Frères and Audemars Piguet, stamped 1.70, max. length 195 mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel deployant clasp, with gold applied AP logo Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed, bracelet further signed GF for Gay Frères Accessories: Accompanied by PDF Extract from the Archives of Audemars Piguet confirming production of the present watch on October 29th, 1971.
Catalogue Essay
While the Royal Oak stands tall as Audemars Piguet’s emblematic masterpiece, the brand’s repertoire extends far beyond this iconic timepiece. Despite the allure of complications and intricate mechanisms, the understated elegance of Audemars Piguet’s time-only watches offers a compelling narrative of craftsmanship and design.
The present example features the automatic AP calibre 2120 with a screw down caseback. It impresses with an ultra-thin case, making this an extremely versatile watch, equally suitable for casual or formal attire. Fitted with a silvered dial, the applied baton hour markers and hands are accented with a black lacquered finish. Rarely seen in stainless steel, it is fitted with an original Audemars Piguet bracelet made by Gay Frères.
This watch is simultaneously sporty and elegant due to its classic design. Preserved in exceptional condition, this uncommon, rare watch offers excellent value for any collector.
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.
