Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1938 Movement No: 43'944 Case No: 43'944 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9/10RS, 18 jewels, stamped VXN Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle Dimensions: 23.5mm x 41mm Signed: Case and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The exuberance and glamour of the Art Deco period gave way in the 1930s to a new aesthetic known as Art Moderne. The sharp angles and ornamentation associated with the past were streamlined, and featured a strong horizontal orientation and a curved, aerodynamic feel. This new era was associated with prosperity, and the aesthetic was applied to a wide range of objects used in daily life, including architecture, car manufacturing, and even industrial design. In particular in the United States, it was featured in all types of household items - from refrigerators to pencil sharpeners.
This lovely rectangular hooded wristwatch maintains tenets of the Art Deco style, with an aerodynamic style that points to the future of modern flight. The case has a strong horizontal form with rounded and hooded lugs. In profile, the case has a slight, sensual curvature, and the ends of the hooded lugs display a teardrop-shape. The polished yellow dial is another design feature popularized by Art Moderne. The strong ornamentation of Art Deco is replaced with a utilitarian perspective. In very nice, original condition, the side hallmark remains crisp and the bevels to the lugs remain intact and prominent. This wristwatch, which was manufactured in 1938 and sold in 1940, is an exemplary example of the audacious design prowess of Audemars Piguet seen throughout their history.
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.