Description
Audemars Piguet Ref. 5129 platinum vintage wristwatch, made in 1959 and sold in 1961
A magnificent and rare, platinum and diamond-set gentleman’s wristwatch with original platinum buckle
This wristwatch is one of Audemars Piguet’s most impressive vintage dress watch models. The elegant platinum case is large in size for a vintage wristwatch, measuring 35mm in diameter. The precision of the case’s construction is remarkable, with the lugs entirely concealed, the leather strap seamlessly joins the case and is invisibly attached within the case itself. This ensures the case has a perfect circular design which also acts to enhances its slim proportions. The bezel is set with 60 diamonds representing the minutes, whilst the inner bezel is calibrated with raised batons at the hours and with finely engine-turned milling between. The silvered dial has long black baton indexes, one of Audemars Piguet’s signature styles during this period; their slim, elongated form capitalises on the refinement and precision of the watch’s construction. To ensure the platinum case remained slim, Audemars Piguet used their calibre 2001, manually wound movement which is both thin and beautifully finished with damascened bridges. The watch has been fitted with a bespoke handmade black leather lizard strap and the original platinum Audemars Piguet signed pin buckle.
The Audemars Piguet Archives confirm that the present watch was made in 1959 and sold in 1961.
For other examples of the Ref. 5129 see:
Sotheby’s Geneva – 17th May 2005, lot 69
Christie’s Geneva – 10th May 2010, lot 251
An icon of vintage wristwatch design, the 5129 was the inspiration for one of Audemars Piguet’s, limited edition, 125th anniversary models which the watchmaker issued in 2000.
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Technical Details
Audemars Piguet calibre 2001 manually wound movement with damascened bridges, lever escapement, 18 jewels, mono-metallic compensation balance, Kif shock absorber; silvered dial, elongated black baton numerals; platinum two-piece circular case, the outer bezel set with 60 diamonds, inner bezel finely milled and with raised baton numerals at the hours, the case with slim apertures to accommodate the leather strap and with concealed fixtures within the case, the platinum case back secured by 3 gold screws;
Measurements
Diameter excluding winding crown: 35mm
Depth to centre of crystal: 7mm
Strap width/lug gauge: 20mm
All Black Bough watches have been fully serviced and overhauled and are sold with a one year guarantee, Black Bough fitted presentation box and detailed Black Bough certificate.