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20809
A very special Audemars Piguet
This 1940s Audemars Piguet model features several wonderful details:
- Strong pierced “spider” lugs
- Bezel with four vertical prominences or “guards” protecting a thick crystal
- A hand-wound 13 ligne “VZ” movement: VZSS (small seconds) or VZSSC (center seconds)
- The examples with an Arabic numerals dial also have a quite unique knurled crown
Let's walk through the different variants.
A/ ROMAN NUMERALS & SMALL SECONDS
The case measures 33 mm (diameter) and 41 mm (lug to lug)
The bezel with its vertical prominences at 3, 6, 9 & 12.
The VZSS movement
credit: Bernhard Bulang aka @bullibeer (1) & The Arrow of Time
Exact same watch (case no. 24637, movement no. 47891 B), but photographed differently
The hallmark with “RR” and a rising sun shows that the case has been made by Parisian case maker, Raoul Righi.
credit: @galbegallery
B/ ARABIC NUMERALS & SMALL SECONDS
This example features a special knurled crown.
Notice how the bezel has been placed with the prominences/guards at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30.
The special crown
credit: Renové by Tuloki
C/ ARABIC NUMERALS & CENTER SECONDS
This example also features a special knurled crown. It has been sold by Christie's in 2022.
The VZSSC movement
credit: @phxwatchnut
The special crown
credit: Renové by Tuloki
C/ ARABIC NUMERALS & CENTER SECONDS
This example also features a special knurled crown. It has been sold by Christie's in 2022.
The VZSSC movement
credit: @phxwatchnut
I personally like this model a lot.
What about you?
Best, Emmanuel
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A very special Audemars Piguet
This 1940s Audemars Piguet model features several wonderful details : Strong pierced “ spider ” lugs Bezel with four vertical prominences or “ guards ” protecting a thick crystal A hand-wound 13 ligne “ VZ ” movement : VZSS (small seconds) or VZSSC (cente...
I couldn’t tell. I’ve never read anything
relating the Code to this 1940s model… Best, Emmanuel
Yes, I definitely see what you mean.
But I don’t think I’ve ever read an article pointing out this connection. Best, Emmanuel
I understand how you feel about the crystal guards being disruptive.
For me, it's part of the charm, but strange charm indeed. Best, Emmanuel
These lugs!! More beauties from the archives.
I fancy that large balance wheel, too. Thanks!
Yes, the lugs and the balance wheel
are wonderful. AP’s archives are full of treasures. Best, Emmanuel