Audemars Piguet

According to Audemars Piguet, for one of their watches to be considered a Grand Complication, it must unite what are widely regarded as the most challenging disciplines of watchmaking: the minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and split-second chronograph. Audemars Piguet has long mastered these complexities and holds a centuries-old reputation for crafting some of the most beautiful Grand Complications ever produced by any brand.

During the 1970s, the Swiss watch industry was grappling with the Quartz Crisis, and demand for pocket watches—already viewed as relics of the past—continued to decline. As fewer were ordered by collectors, production slowed significantly.

Despite this, Audemars Piguet remained committed to the art of Grand Complication pocket watchmaking. In this instance, the firm utilized a hand-decorated movement originally made in the early 1900s. It was cased in 1970 in a design reflective of mid-century modern aesthetics, featuring a brushed, stepped mid-case and a polished bezel. The clear, legible dial includes a 30-minute register and a leap year indication.

Preserved in wonderful condition—with sharp case angles and its original finish intact—and consigned by the family of the original (and only) owner, this piece is a testament to Audemars Piguet’s enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to the craft of Grand Complication pocket watches.