Lot 320
- 320
Audemars Piguet
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description
- Audemars Piguet
- A FINE AND RARE YELLOW GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH TWO TONE DIAL AND REGISTERSNO 43794 MADE IN 1938
- yellow gold, alligator
- diameter 34 mm
• manual winding nickel lever movement, 22 jewels • gold tone dial, outer blue tachometer scale graduated to 1000 units, elongated Roman numerals and baton indexes, silvered engine turned subsidiary dials for seconds and 30 minute register • 18k yellow gold case, lozenge form chronograph buttons, snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed
Condition
CASE
Case in overall good condition with wear and scuffs from use consistent with age. Patina to the case notably around the crown and pushers and heavily to the top left lug. Some spotting to the case overall. Well defined lugs. No signs of polish to the case. Scratches to the case back. Heavy scuffs to the edge of the case back on roughly 40% of the edge.
DIAL
Dial in very good to excellent condition. Dial as present not the same as in archival photos.
MOVEMENT
The movement is running at time of cataloging, 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. Chronograph functions correctly. Loss of finish to the movement in spots, some oxidation around some screws and springs to the chronograph mechanism, notable around the crown area. Light scratches overall. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
According to the Audemars Piguet archives the presently offered lot was produced in 1938 and sold in 1941. In the 1930s, production levels for Audemars Piguet dropped nearly to a halt following the worldwide economic depression following the 1929 stock market crash. The firm adjusted by re-assessing the number of watchmakers on staff, but remained committed to the tradition of haute horlogerie that continues to define the brand. By 1938, the firm recorded just over 400 pieces made for the year, a number which may seem low but which marked a 400% uptick from the previous year.
Indeed, the category of pre-war Audemars Piguet chronographs is so rarified that the two preceding, and the immediately following serial numbers are recorded in scholarly literature and auction results:
• Movement 43792: with three-tone dial, sold at Sotheby's New York, June 2012, lot 259.
• Movement 43793: illustrated on page 240 of Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C., and Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet; sold at Christie's Geneva, November 2005, lot 64.
• Movement 43794: the present lot
• Movement 43795: illustrated on page 241 of Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C., and Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet.
Pages 250-253 of the aforementioned text illustrate a number of period chronographs, showing the sheer diversity of the dial layouts, signatures and retailers, and even bezel and lug design represented in the category. This further underscores the rarity of each individual piece, suggesting that each one might be more or less unique and distinct from its peers.
Indeed, the category of pre-war Audemars Piguet chronographs is so rarified that the two preceding, and the immediately following serial numbers are recorded in scholarly literature and auction results:
• Movement 43792: with three-tone dial, sold at Sotheby's New York, June 2012, lot 259.
• Movement 43793: illustrated on page 240 of Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C., and Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet; sold at Christie's Geneva, November 2005, lot 64.
• Movement 43794: the present lot
• Movement 43795: illustrated on page 241 of Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C., and Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet.
Pages 250-253 of the aforementioned text illustrate a number of period chronographs, showing the sheer diversity of the dial layouts, signatures and retailers, and even bezel and lug design represented in the category. This further underscores the rarity of each individual piece, suggesting that each one might be more or less unique and distinct from its peers.