Audemars Piguet

• cal. 18SMCRQV highly jeweled nickel lever movement, bi metallic balance, two hammers repeating on two gongs • silvered dial, applied 18k yellow gold baton indexes, 18k yellow gold baton hands, blued steel split seconds chronograph hands, four subsidiary dials indicating day combined with 30 minute register, date combined with constant seconds, month combined with leap year indication, ages of the moon combined with fan form aperture for moon phases, outer minute track with 1/5 second divisions • 18k yellow gold case, stepped chamfered bezels, chronograph activated through the crown, split chronograph pusher, calendar correctors, minute repeating slide to the band, solid snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed 

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall very good/excellent vintage condition with light wear and surface markings consistent with age and use. Case with some very light surface markings to the bezels, bands, and crown. Some very light oxidation to pendant, slide, and pusher. Case back with light wear. Dial in excellent vintage condition with some very light surface markings and debris. Split chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases functions working properly. Minutes repeating in phase. Movement in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by an Audemars Piguet Certificate of Authenticity confirming the completion of the movement in 1907, with further completion and sale on December 4, 1968, a Certificate of Origin and Guarantee, the original invoice dated December 30, 1971, a restoration letter and booklet dated November 2009, and a presentation box with outer packaging.

Audemars Piguet confirms that the movement was originally created in 1907, then 'abandoned at an unknown date'. It was then finished and cased in the 1960s, and sold in New York in 1968.

For a similar example, no. 26865, see Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C. & Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet, Masterpieces of Classical Watchmaking, 1993, p.155. 

With its early 1900s movement, and its 1960s bold and angular case format, the present lot brings the viewer on a horological and design journey from the first to the second half of the last century.  One can only imagine the delight with which the watchmakers at Audemars Piguet discovered this highly complicated movement, encapsulated from a previous generation. It would be their privilege to fit this treasure into a suitably important case, just as it would have been some 60 years earlier.