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. Previously, the manufacture had not attempted to reinterpret one of their past creations, with the possible exception of the Royal Oak (though the modern Royal Oak Jumbo is more of an evolution of design rather than a tribute to the original 1972 model). Therefore, it took the public quite by surprise when the stainless steel and 18K pink gold vintage reference 1533 was rendered in modern livery.
Phillips has 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, and 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 body, it has been upsized to 40mm in diameter. The addition of a sapphire caseback allows Audemars Piguet’s inhouse 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 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.
