1947 AUDEMARS PIGUET VZSS, 35MM, 18KT YG

An extremely fine and unique pre-serial gents Audemars Piguet wrist watch in yellow gold, circa 1947. Prior to the Le Brassus maison’s transition to serialized production in 1951, every watch that left the bench at Audemars Piguet was a wholly unique creation. The physical characteristics of these watches were often specified by retailers, or even by customers themselves. The watch here is a perfect representation of the great designs that characterized this time period, with a rounded convex case band similar to what would appear later on the 5516 and straight, turned back lugs. The case is larger than what we typically find from this period, measuring 35mm excluding the original crown and featuring a snap on case back. Clearly a source of enjoyment over the years with mild to moderate wear throughout.

The satin silver dial expands on a rough-hewn utilitarianism, the cardinal hours printed in black roman numerals and ancillary indicated by applied rose gold darts. A small, long form signature is printed in black, as is the outer minute track. Rose gold baton-style hour and minute hands with subsidiary seconds. Signed “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co.”, “GENÈVE”, “SWISS”.

Powering the watch is a beautifully preserved example of the venerable VZ lineage which Audemars Piguet produced from the late 1930s until 1959. We know that the VZ came about as the result of a collaboration between Audemars Piguet and a number of highly specialized, independent shops. A glance into the loupe reveals the care and effort of the hands that made it. The generous use of black polished parts, chamfered jewel settings, anglage, and pronounced Geneva stripes will be noted. This example shows only minor handling and is clean throughout. The watch is winding, setting and running well and keeping good vintage time.

Case: