Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: circa 1974 Reference No: 6001 Movement No: 153'646 Case No: 100'031 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Quartz, cal. 2510, 13 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel, max length 195mm. Clasp/Buckle: Folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm. Length, 35mm. Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1974, reference 6001 was available in steel, yellow gold or white gold. It was the first watch Audemars Piguet ever produced with a quartz movement. Faithful to its values of offering the most accurate watches to their clients, the brand used caliber 2510, the most accurate caliber of the time with a maximum of 1 second difference per month. A simple pressure on the pusher added next to the crown would correct this second. Featuring a very similar design as the one of the Royal Oak, this watch is the true descendant of the famous Gerald Genta design. Preserved in fantastic condition, the present watch is an extremely rare example of the first model Audemars Piguet produced with a quartz movement.
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.