quattro's comprehensive exploration of the Audemars Piguet Disco Volante, particularly the Ref. 5093, offers an invaluable resource for collectors and enthusiasts. This deep dive into its numerous variants and historical context highlights why this distinctive vintage reference remains a highly sought-after piece within the luxury watch community. His meticulous presentation serves as an essential guide to appreciating the nuanced design evolution of these iconic timepieces.
I've always had a real soft spot for these vintage Disco Volante watches.
If you're interested in this topic, please check the following links:
Have a great week-end.
A/ AUDEMARS PIGUET
1/ Six variants of the ref. 5093, 35mm, yellow gold, caliber 2003, 1960s Variant n° 1 with circular stepped bezel
credit: bulang & sons
Variant n° 2 with Gübelin signed dial & crosshatched pattern bezel with a Clous de Paris guilloche on the outer edge
credit: hodinkee
Variant n° 3 with Gübelin signed sector dial & full hobnail bezel
credit: stetz & co
Variant n° 4 with Gübelin signed sector dial & circular stepped bezel 
credit: romain rea
Variant n° 5 from 1963 with "Florentine" pattern bezel
credit: stetz & co
Variant n° 6 in white gold with bracelet made by Gübelin & bezel with hobnail on the outer edge and hatched motif on the inner part
credit: swiss hours
A page from the Audemars Piguet archives illustrating several configurations of the 5093
credit: stetz & co
A 1952 sketch from designer Gebhard Duve, presented to Jacques Louis Audemars. One of these would lead to the Ref. 5093 "Disco Volante."
credit: AP Chronicles
B/ VACHERON CONSTANTIN
1/ Ref. 4786, 35mm, yellow gold, Georges case with snap down case back, cal. 466/3b, 1950s
credit: goldammer
2/ Ref. 6395, 30.5x33mm, yellow gold, cal. 2001, 1960
credit: pascal karp
C/ PATEK PHILIPPE
1/ Ref. 2594, 32mm, "hammered" bezel, honey colored dial, yellow gold (F. Baumgartner SA) case with snap case back, cal. 23-300, 1960s
credit: goldammer
2/ Same ref. 2594, with wide ring structured bezel & brown colored "cappuccino" dial
credit: goldammer
