Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1973 Reference No: 5419BC Movement No: 128'287 Case No: 73'243 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2121, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K APCo pin buckle Dimensions: 39mm length 35mm width Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
The 1970s was a period of artistic freedom and experimentation whether in music, film or design. Watches were no different and a brand that wholly embraced the decade’s zeitgeist was Audemars Piguet. The Royal Oak immediately comes to mind, but there is much more to Audemars Piguet’s collection that the iconic sports/leisure watch.
The brand experimented with shapes, sizes and dials, one of the results being this incredibly attractive large watch with a somewhat oval/cushion case and Roman numerals sold to Germany in 1973 (according to Audemars Piguet archives).
The sleek white gold case measures a hefty 39mm in length. The impression of size is magnified by the fact that there are no lugs, the strap being fixed inside the case. The dial is also quite unusual as at first glance it looks black but depending on the angle of light it can seem dark grey or even blue.
Beating within is the Audemars Piguet extra slim caliber 2121, measuring a mere 2.45mm in thickness it was at the time the world’s thinnest automatic movement.
In wonderful condition the present watch is a winning mix of good looks and complex movement.
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.