Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1914 Movement No: 16’828, Extra Case No: 16'828 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 18SMV, 29 jewels Dimensions: 45mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Today, while many collectors will think of the Royal Oak wristwatch when the brand Audemars Piguet is mentioned, historically they have had a long tradition in horological excellence with complicated watches ranging from perpetual calendars to minute repeaters. Their technical skill and knowledge was so well respected they supplied other brands with their movements.
The present minute repeating openface pocket watch manufactured in 1914 and sold the same year in New York embodies Audemars Piguet’s rich history. The repeat mechanism is activated through the slide in the band and the repeat has a clear tonal quality and is enhanced by the 29 jewel “Extra” movement. The slim case with 14k gold dial highlighted by black enamel Arabic numerals has a modern flair that is later repeated on fine complicated wristwatches. Pocket watches are undervalued in the international market today, however these timepieces are examples of the traditional past and provide a rare opportunity for connoisseurs to own a masterpiece.
The present watch is fresh to the market, to the best of our knowledge.
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.