Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet Year: Circa 1963 Reference No: 5154 Movement No: 88’715 Case No: 29’278 Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 2003, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 30mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Audemars Piguet certificate stamped LeRoy Paris dated 10th December 1963 and fitted presentation box Literature: Time to Race Part II by John Goldberger and Cesare Maria Mannucci p. 374-375
Catalogue Essay
Extremely slender and discreet, the present ref 5154 represents the epitome of purity. Cased in 18K white gold, this simple time only Audemars Piguet is stripped down to its basics with elegance. But make no mistake, it is the story behind this white gold dress watch that makes this ever more special.
Born from the 1920s, René Trautmann was widely known and respected for his passion for motorsport rallies. Representing Citroën (French automobile manufacture) as their driver with a DS Model car, Trautmann claimed victory during the French Rally Championship in 1963, taking eight outright wins, including the Critérium Alpin, the Rallye Stuttgart-Lyon-Charbonnières and the Critérium Neige et Glace. Greatly appreciated for his talent, the Citroën team presented this very Audemars Piguet timepiece to Trautmann to commemorate their victory together. Preserved with crisp engraving dating the event on the caseback, the present timepiece with great provenance represents endurance and passion. A specimen from 1963 documented by its original certificate stamped the same year from French retailer Leroy. The origin of the watch perfectly corresponds with the two crisp French import hallmarks on its caseback. This sure is an understated timepiece perfect for motorsport fans.
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.