Holy Trinity Disco Volante Vintage Watches

quattro · 2024-11-30T10:32:41Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet Ref. 5093 "Disco Volante" and its variants. A deep dive into vintage AP design, historical context, and collector insights.

quattro

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

24 replies4087 views43 photos

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:

The Audemars Piguet ref. 5093 "Disco Volante": A visual Journey from Stetz & Co
Vacheron Constantin, Omega and the Design Origins of the Disco Volante, by Marcus Siems on Goldammer
Buying, Selling, & Collecting The Far-Out Audemars Piguet Disco Volante, by Tony Traina on Hodinkee

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

2/ Ref. BA14591, 35mm, stepped bezel, yellow gold, cal. 2080, circa 1990

credit: bach watches

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The term 'hammered' for bezel patterns might be inaccurate; 'guilloche' created by a rose engine lathe is a more precise description for the spherical geometric designs often seen on these watches.
The author notes that 'hammered' was a term used on a specific dealer's page, acknowledging it might be an unusual or less precise descriptor.
A collector is considering a Disco Volante as a significant graduation gift, highlighting the watch's enduring appeal as a milestone marker.
The author expresses a personal preference for the lug-less design of many Disco Volante models, emphasizing the unique aesthetic appeal of these vintage pieces.
Another collector is actively searching for a Vacheron Constantin Disco Volante, indicating strong cross-brand interest in this design style, and mentions Furlan Marri's interpretation as a notable modern take.
The author also notes a preference for the yellow gold vintage aesthetic and the intricate, varied bezel patterns that define many of these models.

The Discussion

quattro

Nov 30, 2024

I know it might seem crazy, but I really love these watches.

S F

Nov 30, 2024

was looking for one from VC sometime ago...will prob re-start my search. Furlan Marri did its own which I thot was not too bad.

quattro

Nov 30, 2024

The PP has regular lugs, though, which I like a little less.

quattro

Nov 30, 2024

And I personally prefer the lug-less design. But each of these pieces is a treasure in itself for me.

quattro

Nov 30, 2024

But I personally miss the yellow gold vintage touch. And these gorgeous crazy bezels with various patterns…

renerod

Nov 30, 2024

I also have a sweet spot for them. I have seen beautiful designs from other brands as well. Thank you for sharing!

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