US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
108
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 5403BA
"Cobra"
A luxurious and impressive yellow gold automatic wristwatch with date, champagne dial, diamond-set indexes and integrated bracelet
- Estimate
- CHF12,000 - 20,000€12,900 - 21,600$15,100 - 25,100
CHF40,640
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Audemars Piguet
- Year
- Circa 1975
- Reference No
- 5403BA
- Movement No
- 173'571
- Case No
- B17648
- Model Name
- "Cobra"
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal.2121/1, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18k yellow gold Gilbert Gaschen integrated woven bracelet, max length 190mm
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Gilbert Gaschen clasp
- Dimensions
- 34.5mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, clasp further signed by bracelet maker
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present example of Audemars Piguet Cobra is an interpreter of the eclectic taste of the 1970s. Not only its massive yellow gold case with integrated woven bracelet is practically an incarnation of the 1970s flair, but the feat is further boosted by the superbly well-preserved satin dial with vertical brushing and diamond-set numerals.
An eclectic era, the seventies never cease to amaze where beautiful, stand out designs populate the decade. From the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Vacheron Constantin 222 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that dominate the modern taste of sports luxury watches, to the extravagant designs like the Piaget Polo, Rolex King Midas all with one thing in common, integrated bracelets. And perhaps for a few of those icons the household name Gerald Genta, including the present Audemars Piguet ‘Cobra’.
Owing the venomous nickname to its flashy design, the Audemars Piguet ref. 5403 was introduced in 1971, a sibling of the Royal Oak ref. 5402 that transformed into a scale-like appearance. Flawlessly comfortable, Genta took integrated bracelet to the next level. Designed with seamlessness and single entity in mind, Genta described it as “magnificent and perfect integration”. The bracelet is composed of ten, very thick polish-braided links gradually widening to embrace the dial.
However, Genta is only one of the great names of watchmaking associated with the present piece. The casemaker stamp 136 within a hammer identifies the case as the work of master casemaker Spillmann (most notable for being the first casemaker entrusted with the execution of the Oyster case by Rolex). The bracelet itself is, unsurprisingly, work of another master artisan: bracelet maker Gilbert Gaschen, identified by the GRG stamp.
An eclectic era, the seventies never cease to amaze where beautiful, stand out designs populate the decade. From the Patek Philippe Nautilus, the Vacheron Constantin 222 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak that dominate the modern taste of sports luxury watches, to the extravagant designs like the Piaget Polo, Rolex King Midas all with one thing in common, integrated bracelets. And perhaps for a few of those icons the household name Gerald Genta, including the present Audemars Piguet ‘Cobra’.
Owing the venomous nickname to its flashy design, the Audemars Piguet ref. 5403 was introduced in 1971, a sibling of the Royal Oak ref. 5402 that transformed into a scale-like appearance. Flawlessly comfortable, Genta took integrated bracelet to the next level. Designed with seamlessness and single entity in mind, Genta described it as “magnificent and perfect integration”. The bracelet is composed of ten, very thick polish-braided links gradually widening to embrace the dial.
However, Genta is only one of the great names of watchmaking associated with the present piece. The casemaker stamp 136 within a hammer identifies the case as the work of master casemaker Spillmann (most notable for being the first casemaker entrusted with the execution of the Oyster case by Rolex). The bracelet itself is, unsurprisingly, work of another master artisan: bracelet maker Gilbert Gaschen, identified by the GRG stamp.
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.