Heritage, vintage re-issue, and tribute watches are common in the 21st century watchmaking landscape, as brands seek to reintroduce and spotlight the designs of their past. But not often are these past inspirations reworked to the extent of the [RE]Master 01, a limited edition of 500 pieces released by Audemars Piguet in 2020. It took the public by surprise when the stainless steel and 18K pink gold vintage reference 1533 was rendered in modern livery.

Phillips had the great honor of selling two reference 1533s, in 2015 and 2018, respectively, one with a rose dial and one with a green-gold dial. The [RE]Master 01 is a specific reinterpretation of the latter example, purchased by the brand’s Heritage Department at that auction. Though the case and movement have been modernized, the delicate layout of the dial remains distinctly true to the original, with the red “45”-minute indicator on the minute counter, the elongated Art Deco-style Arabic numerals, and the extended brand signature in period font.

While the basic design codes of the original case are upheld in the tear drop lugs and two-tone steel and gold case, it has been upsized to a more modern 40mm diameter. The addition of a sapphire caseback allows Audemars Piguet’s in-house caliber 4409 automatic chronograph movement to be viewed at one’s leisure – a marked change from the vintage manually wound caliber 13VZAH. This spectacular rendition of the past is offered here in like new condition with its full complement of original paperwork and accessories.