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Lot Essay
According to the Archives of Audemars Piguet, the present watch was manufactured in 1943 and sold to the American market in 1945.
In 1943, Audemars Piguet produced as little as 1487 watches. The present example is part of this exclusive high-end production.
The chronograph being one of the most, if not the most, fascinating complication for collectors, the present watch is housing a caliber 13''' VZAH featuring a column wheel and a high level of finishing. To date, researches do not allow to come up with figures as regards to how many of these chronographs, including the hour register for the present version, were produced. However, taking into consideration the considerably reduced number of these that appear at auction yearly, one can imagine that the production was extremely limited.
It comes to no surprise that these become the most treasured and cared for objects once added into a collection. The present example has received the care deserved by such a rarity. Its charismatic dial has taken an attractive patina, surprisingly showing a darker orangy-brown shade to the right side of the dial.
Another interesting feature of this dial is its red 4,5 writing inside of the minute register that remains a mistery. It is amusing to note that the Swiss writing is not placed as one would usually expect it at 6 o'clock but it is instead slightly off centered where the units of the tachometre scale provide slightly more space.
The case was preserved in very good condition over years with beautiful proportions and crisp engravings. A close inspection will reveal a number stamped on the underside upper left where one can read 15974, probably the retailer's own serial number as this is commonly seen for watches. Delivered in 1945 to the American market, the movement bears the mark "ROR" that confirms that this movement was aimed at exportation.
Overall in very attractive condition, the present watch will provide full satisfaction to its new owner with the guarantee that he will keep it for many years without feeling the need to separate from this collectible item at any time.
Similar examples of Audemars Piguet chronograph wristwatches are illustrated in Audemars Piguet by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli & Martin K. Wehrli, p. 242.
In 1943, Audemars Piguet produced as little as 1487 watches. The present example is part of this exclusive high-end production.
The chronograph being one of the most, if not the most, fascinating complication for collectors, the present watch is housing a caliber 13''' VZAH featuring a column wheel and a high level of finishing. To date, researches do not allow to come up with figures as regards to how many of these chronographs, including the hour register for the present version, were produced. However, taking into consideration the considerably reduced number of these that appear at auction yearly, one can imagine that the production was extremely limited.
It comes to no surprise that these become the most treasured and cared for objects once added into a collection. The present example has received the care deserved by such a rarity. Its charismatic dial has taken an attractive patina, surprisingly showing a darker orangy-brown shade to the right side of the dial.
Another interesting feature of this dial is its red 4,5 writing inside of the minute register that remains a mistery. It is amusing to note that the Swiss writing is not placed as one would usually expect it at 6 o'clock but it is instead slightly off centered where the units of the tachometre scale provide slightly more space.
The case was preserved in very good condition over years with beautiful proportions and crisp engravings. A close inspection will reveal a number stamped on the underside upper left where one can read 15974, probably the retailer's own serial number as this is commonly seen for watches. Delivered in 1945 to the American market, the movement bears the mark "ROR" that confirms that this movement was aimed at exportation.
Overall in very attractive condition, the present watch will provide full satisfaction to its new owner with the guarantee that he will keep it for many years without feeling the need to separate from this collectible item at any time.
Similar examples of Audemars Piguet chronograph wristwatches are illustrated in Audemars Piguet by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli & Martin K. Wehrli, p. 242.