It possesses a very high level of artistic refinement with beautiful braided dual textured band done in alternating rows of 18K white gold and 18K yellow gold that give it a very pleasing symmetry with yellow case and silver stardust dial. The hands on it are one of the most beautiful designs we've seen. Each has two textures - half of each hand vertically has a high polish finish and half has a stardust texturing. It's a wonderful detail, and our photos couldn't quite capture how it looks.
Its bracelet is very substantial - heavier than most.
Further adding to its glamour is a full radiant diamond bezel. Its diamonds are original Audemars Piguet factory set and have the fire and whiteness one would expect from original AP diamonds.
Embodying the femininity of the times, it exemplifies refined elegance, merging soft sensual curves with the strength of angular sculptured lines. And equipped with a very high-grade mechanical Audemars Piguet mechanism it unites inner and outer beauty.
Many ladies watches made contemporary to this watch, even high grade ones, were powered by quartz movements. This gem has its original Audemars Piguet mechanical movement. Using centuries old watchmaking practices, craftsmen poured individual attention into each wristwatch. Because of this extra care and craftsmanship, high-grade wristwatches with mechanical movements are more desirable than their quartz counterparts.
And this is no ordinary mechanical engine. When it comes to ladies watches, the focus was and still is normally much more directed to the what's on the outside of the watch than what's on the inside. That is not the case with this watch whose engine would make most men's watches jealous!
It is very finely crafted, on par in quality and craftsmanship with only the very top tier of mens watches by the likes of Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, and other Audemars Piguets. It was not only originally crafted and adjusted to run accurately across five positions and a wide range of temperatures, it was also designed to keep consistent time regardless of how much wind was left in the mainspring (isochronism - in most watches the rate changes as the power reserve lessens), a feature of only the very highest grade watches.
This is the only such watch we can remember seeing or can find online - we don't know if it was a special edition - it certainly wasn't widely produced. We have owned one similar "sister" watch to this from the same series.
We were fortunate to acquire it in fabulous all-original condition appearing to have been stored away for nearly all of its life worn with an appreciation for its rarity and value.
Its stunning case, bejeweled with diamonds, presents as just short of perfect mint condition. It has never been polished - it retains all of its original AP factory applied brushing.
Its silver "stardust" dial with gold flecks is perfect mint.
As of this writing its gold value alone is over $2500 not including the approximately one-carat of extremely high quality diamonds in its material value.
Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any worn components with AP replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Audemars Piguet:
As one of the finest names in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet commitment to quality and technical superiority is legendary. Long known for their highly-complicated watches, Audemars Piguet stands alongside Patek Philippe as one of the premier watchmakers in the world.
- Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Year built: c. 1980's
- Case no. B70616
- Functions: Hours and minutes
- Designed for: Women
- Case material: 18K gold and diamonds
- Case condition: Mint with light handling wear and light wear to the back from the bracelet clasp occasionally contacting it. It appears to have been stored away for nearly all of its life and worn with an appreciation for its rarity and value.
- Dimensions: 21mm diameter (excluding crown) by 24mm
- Dial: Platinum color with gold "stardust flecks", signed Audemars Piguet, original, mint condition
- Hands: Original, faceted gold "lances"
- Movement type: High grade Audemars Piguet, rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions for greater accuracy, shock-absorber
- Movement markings: Audemars Piguet, Adjusted to Temperatures and Five Positions and Isochronism, Swiss, Eighteen Jewels
- Jewels: 18 rubies
- Band: Original Audemars Piguet integral woven bracelet, 18K yellow and white gold, signed, safety clasp, fits a wrist up to approx. 6.5 inches on largest setting, several size settings in clasp, mint condition
- Note: The length can be adjusted by a jeweler
- Crystal type: Sapphire, mint condition
- Servicing: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any worn components with AP replacements, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
