AUDEMARS PIGUET | GRANDE COMPLICATION, REF 5526BAYELLOW GOLD OPEN-FACED PERPETUAL CALENDAR AND MINUTE REPEATING SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WATCH WITH MOON PHASES AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONCIRCA 1971

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. JSMCCRVQ manual winding, 36 jewelsMovement number: 120'879Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on backCase number: 62'474Dimensions: 50 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: none

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing. The repeating nicely chiming and in phase, the split-seconds chronograph operating and the perpetual calendar advancing. CASE: in very good condition with well-defined sides, sharp slide and crisp hallmark on the band. There are minor surface marks visible with the naked eye and there are some indications that the case may have received a very light professional polish. DIAL: in in very attractive condition with minute surface blemishes. The indexes and hands with very minor tarnishing as well. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Audemars Piguet confirms that the watch movement was made in 1971, and later completed and sold in 1978 in the Caribbean to the present consignor.

Few manufacturers continued to produce grand complication watches in favor of more utilitarian pieces. Audemars Piguet committed their brand to maintaining an extraordinary level of watchmaking, and continued to manufacture highly complicated hand-finished timepieces such as the present lot, featuring a minute repeater, perpetual calendar and split-seconds complication.

For a similar example, no. 26865, see Brunner, G., Pfeiffer-Belli, C. & Wehrli, M., Audemars Piguet, Masterpieces of Classical Watchmaking, 1993, p.155.