Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1937 Movement No: 43'645 Case No: 43'645 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 10TS, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 45mm. Length, 22mm. Width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
When it comes to the finest wristwatches, watchmakers often used platinum as their metal of choice for their most prestigious models. Platinum is denser and 25 times more rare than gold, and watches are normally made from 95 percent pure platinum alloy, giving the luxurious heft.
The Art Deco period saw some of the most spectacular wristwatch designs ever, case with the rarest of precious metals. The present watch is one of those.
It has a classic elegance to the beautiful almost sculpted curved case, which fits the wearer perfectly, enhanced by the clear and stylized dial with applied Arabic and baton hour markers. A must have, not only for the seasoned watch collectors but also for all lovers of Art Deco and the visual arts.
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.