112 Audemars Piguet An extremely rare, very well preserved and highly collectible, Calatrava "world time" register wristwatch in yellow gold with champagne dial, one of only six known examples, reference 865BA.
Estimate: CHF 80,000 – 160,000
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| Model | Calatrava "World Time" Register |
|---|---|
| Reference | 865BA. |
| Case Material | Yellow gold |
| Bracelet Material | Yellow gold Gay Freres bracelet, approximate length 185mm |
| Year | 1943 |
| Movement | Manual, cal. 13 VZAS, 18 jewels |
| Case N° | 46'605 |
| Movement N° | 46'605 |
| Dimensions | 32.5mm Diameter |
| Signed | Case, dial and movement |
| Accessories | Accompanied by Audemars Piguet extract from the archives confirming the sale of the present timepiece to Istanbul on December 1946 |
Audemars Piguet’s legacy of crafting some of the world’s most exclusive and technically innovative wristwatches is beautifully exemplified in this exceptional World Timer, one of the rarest and most fascinating timepieces ever produced by the esteemed manufacture. Dating back to 1943, this remarkable wristwatch emerged in an era when global air travel was a privilege reserved for an elite few, making its sophisticated world-time complication a highly unusual and forward-thinking feature for its time.. With only six known examples, this Audemars Piguet reference is one of the rarest timepieces in the collecting world. Among these, only three are stainless steel, while this example, in stunning original condition, features a yellow gold case. The "Calatrava" style case with sculpted teardrop lugs adds a touch of timeless elegance and a presence far beyond its measured proportions. The champagne dial, with applied Arabic numerals, showcases two oversized sub-dials that dominate the layout: running seconds at 9 o'clock and a fixed world-time indication at 3 o'clock. Unlike traditional world-time watches that require a rotating bezel or additional hands, this reference employs a printed scale, an elegant yet highly practical solution that allows the wearer to instantly reference multiple time zones. The upward-pointing arrow toward New York suggests that this particular example was most likely destined for a North American client. At the heart of this timepiece beats the legendary Audemars Piguet caliber 13VZAS, a movement that highlights the brand’s unwavering commitment to precision and exclusivity. The VZ series was exclusively commissioned by Audemars Piguet. Purchased from Valjoux as unfinished “movement blanks,” these calibers were then meticulously refined in-house to meet Audemars Piguet’s exacting standards.. The watch is also accompanied by an extract from the Audemars Piguet archives confirming its production in 1943 and subsequent sale to Istanbul in 1946. As one of only three known yellow gold examples and the sole survivor in fully original condition, this watch represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector. A true masterpiece of horology, it embodies the spirit of Audemars Piguet’s pioneering watchmaking and stands as a testament to the golden age of mechanical innovation.
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GENEVAEternity Gallery, Place de Longemalle 19
9 – 10 May, from 10 AM to 7 PM
LUGANO
Villa Principe Leopoldo
3 June – from 2 PM to 8 PM
4 June – from 10 AM to 8 PM