.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The present silvered dial signed Audemars Piguet replaces the original heavily patinated dial signed E. Gübelin which also accompanies the watch, thus preserving the original dial in unrestored condition.
Slim complicated watches of this design are among the icons of Audemars Piguet’s production. Combining the three classic complications of minute repeating, perpetual calendar and split seconds chronograph, the present watch is a masterpiece of watchmaking, the design of the dial is very pleasing to the eye with prominence given to the calendar functions, the soft sheen of the brushed silvered plate a perfect foil for the rich blue enamel moon phase. The split second chronograph function enables the timing of two events at the same time, for instance two cars racing, and has a 60-minute counter for single events of longer than one minute in duration.
An almost identical watch was owned by the great American industrialist Walter P. Chrysler, sold by Christie’s Geneva, 12th November 2018, lot 57.
The 9 complications
The present timepiece impresses with the following 9 complications, in addition to the essential timekeeping functions such as hours, minutes and seconds which are not considered complications:
1. Minute repeater
2. Perpetual Calendar
3. Days of the month
4. Days of the week
5. Months
6. Moon phases and age
7. Chronograph
8. Split seconds function
9. Chronograph register
Preserved in very good overall condition, the rarity of this watch is further enhanced by the prescence of the retailer's signature Gübelin, Audemars Piguet's distinguished retailer in Lucerne.
E. Gübelin was founded in 1854 and has always been a family enterprise. Located in Lucerne, Switzerland, the renowned company has been manufacturing and retailing superior quality watches and clocks ever since. The firm was one of Audemars Piguet's most important clients in the first quarter of the 20th century and watches supplied to them were bearing exclusively the Gübelin signature, such as the present example. This at the time common practice had been agreed by contract, stipulating the omitting of Audemars Piguet's signature, with the exception of the serial numbers.
Slim complicated watches of this design are among the icons of Audemars Piguet’s production. Combining the three classic complications of minute repeating, perpetual calendar and split seconds chronograph, the present watch is a masterpiece of watchmaking, the design of the dial is very pleasing to the eye with prominence given to the calendar functions, the soft sheen of the brushed silvered plate a perfect foil for the rich blue enamel moon phase. The split second chronograph function enables the timing of two events at the same time, for instance two cars racing, and has a 60-minute counter for single events of longer than one minute in duration.
An almost identical watch was owned by the great American industrialist Walter P. Chrysler, sold by Christie’s Geneva, 12th November 2018, lot 57.
The 9 complications
The present timepiece impresses with the following 9 complications, in addition to the essential timekeeping functions such as hours, minutes and seconds which are not considered complications:
1. Minute repeater
2. Perpetual Calendar
3. Days of the month
4. Days of the week
5. Months
6. Moon phases and age
7. Chronograph
8. Split seconds function
9. Chronograph register
Preserved in very good overall condition, the rarity of this watch is further enhanced by the prescence of the retailer's signature Gübelin, Audemars Piguet's distinguished retailer in Lucerne.
E. Gübelin was founded in 1854 and has always been a family enterprise. Located in Lucerne, Switzerland, the renowned company has been manufacturing and retailing superior quality watches and clocks ever since. The firm was one of Audemars Piguet's most important clients in the first quarter of the 20th century and watches supplied to them were bearing exclusively the Gübelin signature, such as the present example. This at the time common practice had been agreed by contract, stipulating the omitting of Audemars Piguet's signature, with the exception of the serial numbers.