263
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5543BA
"Grande Complication"
A very rare and attractive yellow gold open face minute repeating perpetual calendar pocketwatch with split-seconds chronograph with 30 minute register and moonphases
- Estimate
- CHF60,000 - 90,000€51,400 - 77,200$63,500 - 95,300
CHF70,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- 1908/1970
- Reference No
- 5543BA
- Movement No
- 12'535
- Case No
- 12'535
- Model Name
- "Grande Complication"
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 18SMCRQV, 34 jewels
- Dimensions
- 50mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extrait de Registre confirming production of the present movement in 1908 and its subsequent sale in 1970.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present watch features the three elements that collectors and scholars define as a “Grande Complication”: a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar and a split-seconds complication.
In terms of technical mastery, Audemars Piguet is one of the "greats", not only in creating renowned complications under its own name but also in supplying movements to other brands.
The movement of the present lot dates from 1908. However, it was only cased in 1970. Its large stepped case and balanced dial is complemented by the sublime hand-decorated movement. It is interesting to note that in the early 1970s, despite the decline in demand for pocket watches due to the Quartz crisis, Audemars Piguet continued producing extraordinarily costly pocket watches, beautifully embodying the brand's expertise in complications.
Furthermore, the minute repeating mechanism chimes with great tone and clarity, attesting to the manufacture's mastery.
In terms of technical mastery, Audemars Piguet is one of the "greats", not only in creating renowned complications under its own name but also in supplying movements to other brands.
The movement of the present lot dates from 1908. However, it was only cased in 1970. Its large stepped case and balanced dial is complemented by the sublime hand-decorated movement. It is interesting to note that in the early 1970s, despite the decline in demand for pocket watches due to the Quartz crisis, Audemars Piguet continued producing extraordinarily costly pocket watches, beautifully embodying the brand's expertise in complications.
Furthermore, the minute repeating mechanism chimes with great tone and clarity, attesting to the manufacture's mastery.
Literature
Audemars Piguet
Swiss | 1881A 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.