Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: 1997 Reference No: 1500TT Movement No: 442'033 Case No: D81094, 73 Model Name: Royal Oak Material: Stainless steel and tantalum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2140, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Tantalum and stainless steel Audemar Piguet bracelet, max length 175 mm Clasp/Buckle: Audemars Piguet concealed deployant clasp Dimensions: 33.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale 1997 in Hong Kong
Catalogue Essay
Aesthetically speaking, the reference 1500TT has an attractive appeal that is able to capture every watch collector's attention. With an attractive grey dial, the present watch is a perfect combination of sublime technical expertise and unmistakable appearance. Tantalum is a rare, hard and lustrous metal, which exhibits an alluring dark and stealthy luster.
This metal has been named as such in reference to the Greek mythology’s “Torment of Tantalus” as it is extremely hard to work with. The watch is accompanied by an Audemars Piguet Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale 1997 in Hong Kong, making it a truly collectable example for collectors to own.
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.