Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1941 Reference No: 5020 Movement No: 45'573 Case No: 2104 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13'''VZA, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Made only in extremely limited quantitie, Audemars Piguet’s chronographs wristwatches are amongst the rarest of all wristwatches. Far scarcer than any chronograph ever produced by other distinguished Swiss manufactures with only 286 examples made between the 1930s and 1950s. These rare gems embody Audemars Piguet’s mastery of watchmaking complications and aesthetics, the present oversized chronograph from 1941 is an absolutely stunning example.
Housed in an impressive, large pink gold case measuring 35.5 mm in diameter, this two-register chronograph is powered by the exceptionally high-grade Audemars Piguet caliber 13’” VZA movement. Featuring a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a delightful, red ‘45’ indication is found printed above the 15-minute mark. This charming red indication was often found on vintage Audemars Piguet chronographs permitting the wearer to record up to 45 minutes, for example the first half of a football game. A blue tachometer scale along the dial’s outer circumference further enhances its beauty, and the two blue chronograph hands provide a perfect match. Its dramatic, curved lugs, sleek style, along with its superb condition and rarity make it amongst the most attractive vintage chronograph wristwatches a collector could hope to own.
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.