Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Manufactured in 1933 Movement No: 42'622 Case No: 42'622 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, Valjoux VZ 13''' Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold buckle Dimensions: 33mm. Diameter Signed:Dial signed and case numbered Accessories:Audemars Piguet presentation case and Certificate of Origin Literature: The present lot is featured in I chronografi da Polso by Paul White, page 12, volume one.
Catalogue Essay
Audemars Piguet's chronographs from the interwar years remain some of the most sought after watches due to their very high quality and low production numbers during that time.
It is also very rare to find a surviving example of an early single button chronograph wristwatch with an intact enamel dial. Enamel dials, whilst fragile, are not susceptible to the same problems that might blight a metal dial such as water damage and so can still remain crisp and clean in their appearance.
The present watch is presented in exceptional overall condition and is fresh to the market. Another example, very similar to the present watch is published in Audemars Piguet (Brunner, Pfeiffer-Belli, Wehrli), ill a & b, page 239.
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.