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Lot Essay
According to the Archives of Audemars Piguet, the present watch was manufactured in 1948 and sold in 1950.
Fresh to the market this example of the reference 5504 offers an exceedingly rare opportunity to own one of the most attractive vintage watches ever made by Audemars Piguet. Well preserved, the dial of the timepiece was professionally restored in the 1980s, most likely during a servicing at Audemars Piguet.
According to their Archives, only 20 examples of the reference 5504 were ever produced. Of these 20 pieces, the present watch is only the seventh to be offered at auction in the last 20 years and the ninth publically known example.
One of the most special and intriguing qualities of the reference 5504 is the caliber 9/10RSQ. Initially, it was based on the Cal. 9/10RS which was modified from time-only and allowed a full calendar and at the same time, full splendour. It is thought that only 68 examples of the updated caliber movement have ever been made. This rare and technically advanced movement can be found in only four distinct models; 5504, 5513, 5514 & 5515. Produced from 1945 - 1967, its charm also encompasses a sign of the times, a mid-century evolution for Audemars Piguet.
The caliber can be found in both round and square cases, the present watch belonging to the former which offers a wonderfully harmonious dial configuration. The circular date wheel fits with the perfectly sized applied Arabic numerals which lay toward the outer circumference. The hour and minute hands are thin, as well as the date hand, the lugs are long and slender, the case itself is large but not cumbersome with a moderately sized bezel. When one looks at this watch, its features are wonderfully balanced, endearing in so many ways, it will no doubt offer many years of inspiration and joy to the successful bidder.
For more information on the caliber 9/10RSQ and reference 5504, see: Audemars Piguet Calendar Wristwatches 1924-1993, Audemars Piguet Heritage Department pp. 36-39.
A similar watch is prominently illustrated and described in Audemars Piguet by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli, Martin K. Wehrli, second edition, p. 247, pl. 346.
Fresh to the market this example of the reference 5504 offers an exceedingly rare opportunity to own one of the most attractive vintage watches ever made by Audemars Piguet. Well preserved, the dial of the timepiece was professionally restored in the 1980s, most likely during a servicing at Audemars Piguet.
According to their Archives, only 20 examples of the reference 5504 were ever produced. Of these 20 pieces, the present watch is only the seventh to be offered at auction in the last 20 years and the ninth publically known example.
One of the most special and intriguing qualities of the reference 5504 is the caliber 9/10RSQ. Initially, it was based on the Cal. 9/10RS which was modified from time-only and allowed a full calendar and at the same time, full splendour. It is thought that only 68 examples of the updated caliber movement have ever been made. This rare and technically advanced movement can be found in only four distinct models; 5504, 5513, 5514 & 5515. Produced from 1945 - 1967, its charm also encompasses a sign of the times, a mid-century evolution for Audemars Piguet.
The caliber can be found in both round and square cases, the present watch belonging to the former which offers a wonderfully harmonious dial configuration. The circular date wheel fits with the perfectly sized applied Arabic numerals which lay toward the outer circumference. The hour and minute hands are thin, as well as the date hand, the lugs are long and slender, the case itself is large but not cumbersome with a moderately sized bezel. When one looks at this watch, its features are wonderfully balanced, endearing in so many ways, it will no doubt offer many years of inspiration and joy to the successful bidder.
For more information on the caliber 9/10RSQ and reference 5504, see: Audemars Piguet Calendar Wristwatches 1924-1993, Audemars Piguet Heritage Department pp. 36-39.
A similar watch is prominently illustrated and described in Audemars Piguet by Gisbert L. Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli, Martin K. Wehrli, second edition, p. 247, pl. 346.