Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1968
    Reference No: 5293
    Movement No: 105'969
    Case No: 48'413
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 2003, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 32mm. x 27mm.
    Signed: Case, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation case

  • Catalogue Essay

    Hand skeletonizing a movement is one of the most difficult tasks, even for the most skilled watchmakers.

    By skeletonizing the ultra-thin caliber AP2003 (1.65mm thick), Audemars Piguet’s artisans performed a daunting task. Everything that is not strictly necessary from the movement is meticulously cut away; each part is then engraved with the most lavish arabesques. The artisan performing this task needs to be particularly dexterous as the engraving need to be at the same time even and visible yet in no way should they adversely affect the movements timekeeping functions.

    The present reference 5293 is not only a magnificent timepiece but a work of art. Made in 1968, it shows few signs of ever being worn, even retaining its original strap and signed buckle. It is to the best of our knowledge the first time such an exclusive model is presented at auction.

  • 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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Σ196

Ref. 5293
An extremely rare tonneau shaped yellow gold hand skeletonized ultra-thin wristwatch with black enameled Roman numerals and presentation box

1968
32mm. x 27mm.
Case, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF6,000 - 8,000 
€5,500-7,300
$6,200-8,200

Sold for CHF10,250

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016