Audemars Piguet

The Audemars Piguet Reference 5051 emerged during the early 1950s, around the time the Maison moved to serialized production. During this period, two variations of the Reference 5051 emerged: a time-only example and a second, rarer example featuring an interesting function seen in our current lot.

The present 5051BA is notable for a discrete pin at 9 o'clock that when depressed a small spring temporarily pauses the balance wheel. The inclusion of this function allows for more precise timekeeping as it stops the seconds from continuing to run. While this feature can be found on both References 5051 and 5065, the vast majority of these references did not include it.

Powering this timepiece is the legendary 13 ligne caliber VZSS that Audemars Piguet reinterpreted as a time-only movement by building upon the Valjoux VZ series base calibers. Introduced in the 1920s, the Valjoux VZ series is instantly recognizable by its ¾ plate design, distinctive curved shape of the openings between the bridges, and unusually large balance wheel for a movement its size. Engineered for precision, the caliber is exceptionally accurate due to it being adjusted to 8 positions instead of the customary 3 or 5 for time-only movements of this period.

According to research, no more than 250 of the stop-balances across all metals were produced, making the present lot an exceptionally rare example of mid-century Audemars Piguet design. We are pleased to offer this rare and elusive version of the Reference 5051 in beautifully preserved condition and accompanied by its Extract.