Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 2020 Reference No: 26595SR.OO.A032V.01 Movement No: AV2’573 Case No: T’Y57’73Y Model Name: (Re)Master 01 Self Winding Chronograph Material: 18K pink gold and stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal.4099, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Audemars Piguet pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet warranty card, product literature, fitted presentation box, and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Heritage, vintage re-issue, and tribute watches are common in the 21st century watchmaking landscape, as brands seek to reintroduce and spotlight the designs of their past. But not often are these past inspirations reworked to the extent of the [RE]Master 01, a limited edition of 500 pieces released by Audemars Piguet in 2020. It took the public by surprise when the stainless steel and 18K pink gold vintage reference 1533 was rendered in modern livery.
Phillips had the great honor of selling two reference 1533s, in 2015 and 2018, respectively, one with a rose dial and one with a green-gold dial. The [RE]Master 01 is a specific reinterpretation of the latter example, purchased by the brand’s Heritage Department at that auction. Though the case and movement have been modernized, the delicate layout of the dial remains distinctly true to the original, with the red “45”-minute indicator on the minute counter, the elongated Art Deco-style Arabic numerals, and the extended brand signature in period font.
While the basic design codes of the original case are upheld in the tear drop lugs and two-tone steel and gold case, it has been upsized to a more modern 40mm diameter. The addition of a sapphire caseback allows Audemars Piguet’s in-house caliber 4409 automatic chronograph movement to be viewed at one’s leisure – a marked change from the vintage manually wound caliber 13VZAH. This spectacular rendition of the past is offered here in like new condition with its full complement of original paperwork and accessories.
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.
