AUDEMARS PIGUET | A YELLOW GOLD CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH TWO TONE DIAL MADE IN 1942

Dial: two toned champagne, 18k pink gold hands and indexesCaliber: cal. 13VZAH manual winding jeweled movementMovement number: 45992Case: 18k yellow gold, solid snap on case backCase number: 45992Size: diameter 33mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Audemars Piguet Extract from the Registers confirming the original sale to Maxima in Genève 

CASE Case remains very attractive with well proportioned lugs. Wear and surface scuffing consistent with age and use. Some possible signs of previous polish. Upper left lug with some heavier wear and signs of indentation and scratches. Left side band with some heavier surface scuffing and scratches. Some light signs of patina, especially to the bezel closest to the crystal. Crystal glazing with surface scuffs and scratches. DIAL Dial is highly attractive with engine turned subsidiary dials. Subsidiary dials with surface scratches and some losses to the champagne color. Surface spots throughout, especially a spot between 1 and 2. Area near center arbor with some small surface scratches. Oxidation to the applied pink gold indexes. MOVEMENT Chronograph function operating but reset to zero lags and may require service at the purchaser's discretion. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

According to the Audemars Piguet archives, the present lot was manufactured in 1942 and sold in 1943. Only 210 chronographs were made by Audemars Piguet in the period of 1939-1945. In the 1930s, production levels for Audemars Piguet dropped nearly to a halt following the worldwide economic depression resulting after the 1929 stock market crash. The firm adjusted by re-assessing the number of watchmakers on staff, but remained committed to the tradition of haute horlogerie that continues to define the brand today. By 1939, the firm began to produce more commercially priced chronograph wristwatches in order to safe-guard their fine watchmaker's and the skills they have acquired over many years. 

The category of pre-war Audemars Piguet Chronograph wristwatches are exceptionally rare. One such chronograph model numbered ahead of our present lot by only five digits appears in Brunner, Pfeoffer-Belli, and Wehrli, Audemars Piguet Masterpieces of Classical Watchmaking, 1993, p. 242. Another model with similar dial configuration with movement number 45603 and manufactured one year after the present lot, sold at Sotheby's Geneva, November 2013, lot 261. 

The closest chronograph in number published of the same style is number 45996, appearing in Audemars Piguet 20th Century Complicated Wristwatches, 2018, p. 182, alongside a chronograph bearing an identical dial, number 45602. According to our research, there are 5 chronographs known with identical cases and variations on the dial with the 12 o'clock indication always an Arabic numeral.