Although Audemars Piguet may be best known for their Royal Oak series, notably designed by Gerald Genta, AP had a long lineage of interesting timepieces both before the conceptualization of the Royal Oak and after. Primarily consisting of dress models, Audemars Piguet produced some highly collectible chronographs and dress models that were stylistically, in many cases, very ahead of their time.
This charming Audemars Piguet square dress watch from the 1950s is both familiar and unique. The 18K yellow gold watch simultaneously draws inspiration from the iconic Cartier Tank Normale with its case shape without losing the core identity and aesthetic of 1950s AP dress watches that we love. The cal. K2001 inhouse Audemars Piguet movement was beloved among other watchmaking houses as well, as it was also utilized by both Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin.
| Stock # | AP18KSDW | |
| Brand | Audemars Piguet | |
| Style | Square Dress Watch | |
| Model | N/A | |
| Serial | 39XXX/77XXX | |
| Size | Ladies/ Unisex | |
| Material | 18K Yellow Gold | |
| Dial | Gold | |
| Millimeters | 23.5x31.5 | |
| Bracelet | 18K YG Gay Freres "Swiss Made" Mesh Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The 18K yellow gold case is a square shape that is reminiscent of a Cartier Tank Normale case and is finished with a flat surface, flat sides, and back with soft edges for a very wearable and geometric aesthetic. The case appears to have been gently polished in the past and exhibits light signs of previous use. The watch comes supplied on an 18K yellow gold mesh Gay Freres adjustable bracelet. The max opening of the bracelet is 8 1/4 inches and the max closure of the watch is 5 inches. The Bracelet has trouble fitting over an average man's hand at the max opening but can to supplied on a strap if requested.
DIAL & HANDS
The original gold dial is square like the case though it features two finishes, a mirror-like finish at the edges that coordinates with the finishing of the case and a brush-finished center of the dial to create the traditionally styled round shape of the dial. The dial is very well-preserved, especially for a non-waterproof watch of its age, though some gentle elements of age are present throughout and have little effect on the gorgeous look of the watch overall. The original yellow gold hands exhibit some minor loss to the factory black enamel.
ACCESSORIES
The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.
