quattro introduces a remarkable Audemars Piguet single-button chronograph, set for auction at Christie's. This piece stands out as one of the first three chronograph wristwatches produced by AP in the 1930s, and notably, the only one to appear publicly in nearly a century. His detailed presentation invites the community to appreciate its historical significance and aesthetic qualities.
In two weeks,
Christie's will sell this remarkable
single-button or ‘monopusher’
chronograph with a
platinum ‘
Coussin Tortue’ (turtle cushion) shaped
case.
It is
one of the
first three chronograph wristwatches produced by
Audemars Piguet in the
1930s and
one of the
two with a
platinum case (the
other one had a
white gold case).
It is also the
only one of the three to
appear in
public since their
manufacture almost
100 years ago.
Powering the watch is
calibre 11GCCV, one of the
smallest chronograph movements ever commercialised by Audemars Piguet.
The
balance cock being
engraved with the three-letter importer identification code '
BXP', this chronograph was evidently
intended for the
US market.
Owned by
Rabbi Max Schenk, former president of the New York Rabbinical Council, who
died in
1974, it was
bequeathed to his son-in-law,
Dr. Herbert Hechtman, and then passed on to the
next generation in
2024.
The timepiece has been
returned to the Audemars Piguet
manufacture for a
complete restoration.
Below are pages 148-149 of the book
Audemars Piguet: 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches.
I imagine that
photograph 183 corresponds to the
other platinum chronograph, but I
couldn't be
sure.
What do you
think about this
timepiece,
regardless of its
rarity and
historical importance?
Do you like it?
I
personally do, and
very much so!
Thanks for looking.
Best, Emmanuel
