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.