Audemars Piguet

• cal. 9 1/2 ''' smv, fully jewelled to the centre lever movement, bi-metallic compensation balance, two polished steel hammers minute repeating on coiled gongs • silvered dial, applied stylised gold Arabic numerals • snap back • case signed and numbered • certificate from Audemars Piguet archives confirming sale in 1914

The movement is running and repeating at the time of cataloguing. Dial is in good condition with only slight tarnishing to the numerals. The case has very slight scuffs throughout. Overall this watch is in very good condition and a very rare piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The present example can be classified among the smallest calibre minute repeating pocket watches produced by Audemars Piguet.  For another example, see Brunner, G., Pfeiffer Belli,C., Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet, p. 117, fig. 89a-b.  The illustrated watch is stylistically similar differing only in its gold case and slightly larger 10 lignes movement size.

Small minute repeating pocket watches are relatively rare, by any maker and almost exclusively produced in gold cases. The present pieces rarity is underscored by the use of platinum for its case and its smaller lignes calibre. 

Platinum is widely recognized by makers and watch Connoisseurs to provide a clearer tonality when compared with gold, However, platinum being more costly and more difficult to work with was bypassed in favor of gold given its ready availability and ease of use.