Audemars Piguet - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1943
    Reference No: Photo reference 831
    Movement No: 45'978
    Case No: 45'978
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13VZAQ
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 33mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Register confirming production of the watch in 1943

  • Catalogue Essay

    Audemars Piguet timepieces from the mid-twentieth century are often considered by collectors as icons due to their exquisite quality, superb- sometimes revolutionary- aesthetics, technical ingenuity, and extremely limited production numbers.

    Rarity takes a very new meaning when taking in consideration that Audemars Piguet produced only 20 chronographs with a full calendar function between 1941 and1943 with dials and cases differing either fundamentally or in minor details.

    Such a small production combined with the little information publicly available about the topic resulted in very obscure field, until the publication by Audemars Piguet “Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches”, which combines all available archive information on complicated timepieces made by the company during the past century. Thanks to Audemars Piguet’s efforts, new information about the models produced is available.

    According to the said "Complicated Wristwatches" book the present photo reference 831 was made in only 10 pieces of which 8 were in yellow gold.

    Regarding the present piece, the archives indicate that it bears photo reference number 831 made on 14 August 1943.

    The design of the watch is a gem of equilibrium and balance. The short thick lugs and large opening to the dial give it definitive wrist presence whereas the three tone dial with its cream main plate, salmon chronograph indicators and silver calendar section provide an incredible theatrical and charismatic effect.

    This masterpiece’s leek style, along with its superb condition and rarity make it amongst the most attractive vintage wristwatches a collector could hope to own.

  • Artist Biography

    Audemars Piguet

    Swiss • 1881

    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.

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206

Ref. Photo reference 831
An incredibly rare and well preserved yellow gold wristwatch chronograph with full calendar

1943
33mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 300,000 
€156,000-312,000
$171,000-343,000

Sold for CHF736,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023