Audemars Piguet: Vintage Shaped Cases

amanico · 2023-01-14T09:58:34Z

Discover Audemars Piguet's hidden history of unusual case shapes, from the 'Disco Volante' to the Hutiième. Explore rare vintage AP designs.

amanico

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

41 replies8401 views8 photos

Amanico's exploration of Audemars Piguet's historically diverse case shapes offers a vital perspective often overshadowed by the brand's more contemporary icons. This article highlights his initial findings and the community's subsequent contributions, revealing the depth and breadth of AP's design heritage. It serves as a crucial reminder that Audemars Piguet's legacy extends far beyond its most famous collections, showcasing a rich tapestry of horological artistry.

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I discovered most of them when Audemars Piguet released the Code 11.59.

Alas, I know almost nothing about them. But I find this cases diversity very interesting.

Here we go.

The John Schaeffer star wheel minute repeater is something! ( Credit Christies )

Jumping Hour from.... 1929!

" Disco Volante " from 1936.

In comparison, this sublime minute repeater in platinum looks shy! ( 1945 )

More recent, the Hutiième, blending tantalum with rose gold ( Credit Touch of Modern ).

The non credited pictures come from Audemars Piguet.

Enjoy.

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

Audemars Piguet's historical production numbers were relatively low, making the diversity of case shapes even more remarkable and interesting for collectors.
The Hutiième model, blending tantalum with rose gold, is noted for its appealing design, reasonable pricing, and perfect size, making it an attractive, more recent option for collectors.
Many of the unusual case designs predate the introduction of the Royal Oak, suggesting that for a significant portion of its history, AP's identity was not solely defined by the Royal Oak and its derivatives.
The 'Le Ferrari' model, while not strictly an 'unusual' case shape, represents a distinct and rarely seen Audemars Piguet design that offers a different aesthetic.
The community expresses a strong desire for deeper exploration into Audemars Piguet's diverse and historically rich case designs, highlighting it as an interesting and underexplored topic.
Some collectors find certain historical unusual case designs less attractive, while others express anticipation for potential re-editions of models like the 5516 within the 'Remaster0x' series.

The Discussion

andrea~

Jan 14, 2023

That star wheel minute repeater is what dreams are made of!

amanico

Jan 14, 2023

I totally concur. What a watch!

111forza

Jan 14, 2023

Some unusual case designs there. I love that star wheel.

Not really an unusual case but something different and rarely seen I tried on a few years back I think it called Le Ferrari.

GuinnessForMeAndTheWatch

Jan 15, 2023

actually had once series on car engraved dials. ferrari rolls merc etc. another for nature

came with two smaller 34mm case types and both with a 2120 and 2120sq (skeleton movement). also some unique gemset ones making case 39mm; have one in platinum

amanico

Jan 15, 2023

Thanks for these precisions.

ArmisT

Jan 14, 2023

AP has an impressive history…

but to many in the current generation, AP is all about the Royal Oak and it’s derivatives. I don’t know what years all the pieces you posted are from, but I expect most are pre-RO introduction.

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