Audemars Piguet Vintage: Recent Acquisition

Emil Wojcik · 2024-03-26T13:39:00Z

Discover Emil Wojcik's journey to acquire a vintage Audemars Piguet with the ultra-thin Caliber 2003. A timeless 32mm classic, celebrated by collectors.

Emil Wojcik, a long-time collector, shares his recent acquisition of a vintage Audemars Piguet, a model he originally coveted over a decade ago. His post offers a personal reflection on the enduring appeal of classic, ultra-thin timepieces and their place in horological history. Wojcik's journey highlights how certain watches, even after years, continue to resonate with collectors.

I love these simple, vintage models. Only 32mm but very elegant. With the exceptionally thin 1.64mm caliber 2003. Classic in every way. Any marks seen are on the crystal, not dial.

When I purchased my Millenary back in 2011, this was the model I was actually intending to buy. I’ve been very happy with the Millenary and many times wear it as basically my daily watch. But every once in a while I would still think of these great vintage models and I decided I couldn’t wait any longer.

I’m not familiar with how AP’s serial numbers work and a quick google search shows this to be from 1947, which I don’t believe to be correct. I assume mid 1950s at earliest. It’s number 51743 if anyone can help pin down the year.

Very happy to have finally decided to buy one!

Key Points from the Discussion

The ultra-thin caliber 2003, at just 1.64mm, represents one of Audemars Piguet's early and significant innovations in watchmaking.
The aesthetic of simple, elegant vintage models, particularly their thinness, evokes a sense of nostalgia for collectors who began in the 1980s, when these were highly sought after due to the prevalence of quartz watches.
The watch's elegant proportions and classic design make it a 'perfect watch' in its simplicity, a sentiment often shared among enthusiasts of vintage timepieces.
The community often refers to these exceptionally thin Audemars Piguet models as 'wafers,' humorously contrasting them with larger contemporary models like the Offshore.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Mar 26, 2024

Wow! Quite elegant indeed.

If I can gain any specific information for you, I'll let you know. Congrats on this AP wafer!! We could probably stack 3-4 together to be an Offshore ;-)

Emil Wojcik

Mar 26, 2024

Thanks! Although I’m curious about when it’s from it’s really not important to me, it would just be nice to know. Please let me know if you find anything out.

Back in the mid ‘80s when I first started collecting, these earlier models from the various brands were what everyone wanted, including myself. If you weren’t satisfied buying vintage, you pretty much would have to buy quartz. That’s why I still admire them—the nostalgia. I had forgotten how thin some of these watches were.

Mar 26, 2024

Very nice, indeed.

Enjoy the ultra thin caliber

Emil Wojcik

Mar 26, 2024

Thanks, it’s an easy watch to enjoy!

mdg

Mar 26, 2024

"Wafer thin," best said in a John Cleese fake French accent : )

mdg

Mar 26, 2024

Would be great to see the movement...

...please post photos if you ever open it...

Audemars Piguet Vintage: Recent Acquisition

Key Points from the Discussion

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