Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR Hong Kong Monday, May 29, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: 1922
    Movement No: 28990 C
    Material: Platinum, emeralds, diamonds and enamel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 8LRB
    Bracelet/Strap: Platinum, emerald and diamond-set bracelet, 170 mm. maximum length
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum, emerald and diamond-set concealed clasp
    Dimensions: 14.3 mm. wide
    Signed: Movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    This beautiful, fluid and luxurious platinum, enamel, diamond and emerald-set bracelet watch is an incredibly lavish example, perfectly capturing the spirit of the art deco period. Set with old-cut diamonds throughout, the bracelet is crafted with repeating ellipse-shaped links, set with cabochon emeralds set on each edge.

    Research shows that the present watch was manufactured in 1922, and sold in 1923 to Wittnauer in New York, a jeweler and watchmaker that is still in business today. During this period, Audemars Piguet created the movement and hands, delivering them to the jeweler to be fitted to onto luxurious and lavish bracelets.

    Most interestingly, the bracelet watch is fitted with two crowns, each fitted with a diamond on either side. While one winds the watch, the other is fixed to the case. It is entirely possible that the bracelet maker fixed a "dummy" to ensure aesthetic symmetry and add another element of surprise and delight to the watch's appearance.

  • 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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1054

A lady's luxurious and attractive platinum, diamond, enamel and emerald-set bracelet watch

1922
14.3 mm. wide
Movement signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 480,000 
€38,500-57,800
$40,000-60,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FOUR

Hong Kong Auction 30 May 2017