Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1950 Reference No: 5093 Movement No: 79'360 Case No: 20'940 Model Name: "Disco Volante" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 2003, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Original suede Audemars Piguet strap Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Equipped with the ultra-thin caliber 2003, the present watch is an extremely unusual and attractive specimen. Displaying a two-tone dial, the watch also has an engine-turned bezel and "flying saucer" case design. Extremely unusual for the period, this timepiece shows how Audemars Piguet eschewed the ordinary and created imaginative and daring designs during the 1950s (as well as today). This timepiece is furthermore preserved in excellent condition with crisp case numbers on the case back as well as a visible hallmark.
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.
