Audemars Piguet chronographs are among the rarest and most underrated masterpieces in the realm of vintage watches. In fact, between 1930 and 1962, only a little over three hundred examples were produced, with no further chronograph wristwatches made until the modern era.

This limited production, combined with the scant information publicly available, has resulted in a largely obscure niche. However, the recent publication by Audemars Piguet “Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches” has consolidated all available archival information on complicated timepieces created by the company over the past century. The present watch lacks a reference number but is documented in the Audemars Piguet archives as corresponding to Case Style 255, known as the "Lunette Monnaie" or coin bezel.

Fully embodying the aesthetics of 1940s watchmaking, this wristwatch is part of a production run of 188 units featuring the 13’’’VZA caliber, which were manufactured between 1933 and 1946 and sold from 1936 into the 1950s. Case Style 255 is characterized by a wide range of diameters, from 32.5mm to 39mm, and various lug designs that differ slightly in length and thickness. This exceedingly rare Audemars Piguet vintage chronograph is distinguished by its 33.5mm round case with downturned lugs, typical of the 1940s style.

The dial is a striking study in balance, featuring large numerals at 12 and 6 that complement the chronograph registers at 3 and 9. The 30-minute counter includes a 4|5 indication, a feature often found in vintage Audemars Piguet chronographs. This design stems from a request by Jacques-Louis Audemars, a passionate football fan, who wanted his watch to indicate halftime.

Movement crafted in 1943, this stunning watch is in exceptional condition, with a crisp case number on the caseback and hallmark visible behind the lug. Its elongated lugs, oval pushers, and thin bezel create a greater impression of size. A well-preserved vintage Audemars Piguet chronograph is always a rare find, making this an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the finest vintage chronographs available on the market. The watch was serviced in 2022 by Audemars Piguet, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and an Extract from the Archives, confirming its authenticity and that the movement was made in 1943 and sold in 1947.