118 Audemars Piguet A unique, incredibly important and highly sought-after, chronograph wristwatch in yellow gold, retailed by Cartier, with certificate of authenticity

Estimate: CHF 200,000 –⁠ 400,000

The vintage Audemars Piguet chronographs are a rarity, one that is hardly captured by mere words. With just little over three hundred examples produced from 1930 to 1962, these pieces represent a period when horological craftsmanship reached new heights, only to be suspended until the modern era. Among these few, there exists a piece so unique, it defies all expectations. The present timepiece is very likely the only Audemars Piguet chronograph ever made with this design and personalization. The dial proudly bears the signature of Cartier, the prestigious jeweler who partnered with Audemars Piguet to produce this unique piece in 1961. The case itself, forged in 18k yellow gold, is beautifully designed, with thin curved lugs and a chamfered bezel, perfectly executed to form a sleek, elegant silhouette. The inner caseback bears the Poinçon de Maître number 166, the mark of Henri Jeanneret, one of the most renowned case makers of the era. Jeanneret’s work is legendary, and to have his craftsmanship paired with an Audemars Piguet movement elevates this watch to an entirely different level. The dial is a triumph in its simplicity and elegance. The beige patina has aged gracefully, complemented by an outer tachometer scale in blue and an inner black minutes circle with 1/5 second divisions. The layout is quintessentially Audemars Piguet: three sub-dials for constant seconds, 30-minute, and 12-hour registers. Yet it is the presence of Cartier’s signature at 12 o’clock that truly makes this piece extraordinary—it represents a chronograph that was crafted for Cartier’s discerning clientele, further elevating its allure and rarity. Accompanying this watch is a Certificat d'Authenticité issued by Cartier in 2012, confirming that this timepiece was produced for Cartier with an Audemars Piguet-signed movement in 1961. A piece of such significance is a collector’s dream, not only for its rarity but for the incredible history it represents. This Audemars Piguet chronograph, a true one-of-a-kind watch, stands as a testament to the unique and unparalleled partnership between two of the most revered names in horology. For collectors of special, rare, and historically significant timepieces, this is the holy grail—an opportunity to acquire a watch that represents the absolute pinnacle of watchmaking craftsmanship and heritage.