Audemars Piguet

18k, gilt lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, silvered sector dial, unusual triangular and baton numerals, two engine turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, unusual flat hands, circular polished case with chamfered bezel, down turned lugs, case back with monogram, olive pushers, case, dial and movement signed.

From 1914, Audemars Piguet were hard hit by the uncertain condition of the global economy. Many orders, especially those for complicated watches placed before the First World War, were cancelled at the end of the conflict. Later, in the 1920s, just as Audemars Piguet were recovering, the company were thwarted once more by the Wall Street Crash (October 24th, 1929). The company's greatest crisis was in 1932 when only two wristwatches were produced. Throughout the 1930s, very few wristwatches were made by Audemars Piguet and consequently examples are very scarce. For further information see Brunner, Pfeiffer-Belli, Wehrli, Audemars Piguet, Second Edition, pp.31-34.

Throughout this period Audemars Piguet did not compromise on innovation or quality. The present wristwatch is one of the very rare chronograph wristwatches from the period and bears a highly unusual dial with sector type numerals and triangular indication at 12 and 6 o'clock. A similar example is shown in an archive photograph published in Brunner, Pfeiffer-Belli, Wehrli, Audemars Piguet, Second Edition, p.250, pl.352.