In 1967, Audemars Piguet in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Patek Philippe, set to find a reliable ultra-thin movement, which today is known by collectors as the calibre 2120. At 2.45mm height, the rotor was not put on top of the movement, rather it was attached to a rail on the side of the movement allowing for a thinner case. The movement went on to power such legendary and iconic timepieces as Audemars Piguet Royal Oak released in 1972 and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus reference 3700, introduced in 1976.
The present reference 5273 with the calibre 2120 is a wonderful distillation of 1970s horology. With inexpensive quartz movements encroaching on traditional luxury Swiss watchmaking, brands sought to create modern masters that appealed to a new clientele seeking timepieces that were less formal than their father’s watch. The reference 5273 is made in stainless steel for durability indoors and out. With the calibre 2120, the case is thin sitting well on the wrist, and with the screw-down back, it has more waterproof capability than traditional snapback wristwatches.
In excellent condition, with unpolished case and clean original dial, this wristwatch makes a wonderful addition to collectors seeking rare and historically important watches that demonstrate the wide diversity of horology.
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.
