Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1982
    Reference No: 35722BA
    Movement No: 263’927
    Case No: B65’985
    Material: 18k yellow gold, multi-chrome enamel, diamond and sapphire-set
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 5020, 20 jewels
    Dimensions: 47mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed by manufacturer, enamel signed by maker
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet green leather presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Extract confirming the date of production in December 16, 1982

  • Catalogue Essay

    Enamel pocket watches have long been part of the horological tradition with the earliest known examples from the 17th century. Exquisite enamel work became an art form unto itself and today these timepieces command top dollar for rare and unusual examples. The present lot is part of a very limited number of watches with enamels by the maker Ni. Gi. Barna, who was commissioned by Audemars Piguet in the early 1980's to produce the series. It is believed fewer than ten were made, each with a different scene, including Bedouin horsemen, a fox hunt scene, three marine scenes and Dionysus with a leopard.

    Dionysus was the son of Zeus and God of wine, vegetation, pleasure, festivity and madness. His attributes include a staff crowned by a pine cone, a drinking cup and he is associated with the leopard, as he is seen in the present enamel riding the animal. In excellent overall condition with little to no wear, the present watch was sold by Audemars Piguet in 1982 with approximately 112 diamonds and sapphires for a total weight of around 2.34 carats. It is interesting to note the engraved and polished dial differs from other models in the series, which often had gem-set numerals. Enamel pocket watches are a delight as they both serve the functional purpose of telling time as well as the artistic beauty of the enamel work.

  • 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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1131

Ref. 35722BA
A very rare and fine yellow gold and gem-set openface pocket watch with multi-chrome enamel with Dionysos riding a leopard by Ni. Gi Barna

1982
47mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed by manufacturer, enamel signed by maker

Estimate
HK$155,000 - 235,000 
€17,500-26,500
$19,900-30,100

Sold for HK$350,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019