Audemars Piguet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
    Year: Circa 1988
    Reference No: 35775BA.ZZ.0000XX.01
    Movement No: 243’962
    Case No: 22’448
    Material: 18K yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 5020 SQ, 20 jewels
    Dimensions: 42.7mm diameter
    Signed: Case and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank Audemars Piguet certificate and hang tag. Delivered with the Audemars Piguet digital Extract from the Archives confirming the register date of the present timepiece on 20th April 1988.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The dazzling beauty of skeletonized timepieces has always been mesmerising, the transparency of visualizing the universe of the inner works of the mechanics with each tick are fond by many. In 1934, Audemars Piguet sees the value and beauty of showcasing their craftsmanship to the fullest. Thanks to the sapphire casebacks, the entire movement crafted by hands can be admired along with its engraved motifs through and through.

    Amongst these skeletonized timepieces are pocket watches. Often jewelled and bedazzled with glittering diamonds, they serve a purpose of an art object, the present example is one of such. Cased in yellow gold and encircled with a haloed bezel and bow, the skeletonized frameworks of this pocket watch is simply poetic. Set against the engraved skeletonized bridges and plates, four blissed golden birds emersed by laurels in gold sparkles in elegance. Furthermore, time is indicated by a long pair of leaf hands.

    Turning over the pocket watch is an equally stunning movement, perhaps the most beautiful spin on the calibre 5020 itself. Sized at 42.7mm diameter and preserved in excellent condition where the hallmarks and serials are clearly visible. To the best of our knowledge, only one example with birds motif from 1988 have surfaced in the market, similar yet different in the design, the present pocket watch is an incredibly rare timepiece for your collection.

  • 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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850

Ref. 35775BA.ZZ.0000XX.01
A highly rare and elegant yellow gold skeletonized diamond-set pocket watch with birds motif and certificate

Circa 1988
42.7mm diameter
Case and movement signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 200,000 
€14,000-23,400
$15,400-25,600

Sold for HK$254,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024