Audemars Piguet “Tank” Wristwatch with Articulated Lugs, 18kt White Gold, 1926
A fine and very rare Audemars Piguet rectangular wristwatch in 18kt white gold, made in 1926 and acquired from the estate of its original owner. Only three examples of this model have come to market in the last 30 years, and this may be the only one of the three with a factory original, unmolested dial.
The watch dates from the height of the Art Deco period, when the wristwatch was replacing the pocket watch as the choice of the well-dressed gentleman. Audemars Piguet was still a small specialist maison in Le Brassus, making watches in very limited numbers.
The Case
The case is a clean, architectural piece of Deco design. A square case with a rounded bezel holds a domed crystal. At each end is an open, stirrup-shaped lug hinged directly to the case. The lugs pivot to follow the curve of the wrist, which gives a comfortable fit and a strong, sculptural profile. Articulated lugs were costly to make and only appeared on high-grade watches of the period.
The case measures 24mm across (excluding crown), 39mm lug to lug and only 6.9mm thick, so it slips easily under a cuff. Inside, the caseback is signed “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co. SWISS” and carries a Swiss gold assay hallmark, an “18K” cartouche and the case number. The case shows honest wear and age toning, with light marks on the caseback and lugs.
The Dial
The frosted silver dial is the heart of this watch. Applied Breguet-style numerals in 18kt white gold catch the light against the grained surface, and a black champlevé enamel minute track frames the dial in a crisp square border. The dial is signed “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co.” across the center and “SWISS” below the track at 6 o’clock. There is moderate vignetting around the edges, darker toward the corners, an honest sign of a century of age.
The Movement
The watch runs on the Audemars Piguet calibre 9FSG 15/12, a round manual-wind movement set in the rectangular case, and finished to a very high standard. The bridges are decorated with Geneva striping and bevelled edges, the jewels are set in polished sinks, and the engraving reads “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co. SWISS – ADJ. TO TEMP. & 2 POSIT. – SEVENTEEN 17 JEWELS.” Its serial number matches the case number. Adjustment to temperature and two positions was a demanding standard for the time and shows this watch was built as a precision instrument. The movement has just been serviced. It runs well and keeps time.
Delivered on a modern black crocodile-grain leather strap (18mm) with a steel buckle.
The Particulars
Case
- 18kt white gold with hinged articulated lugs
- Stepped bezel, domed crystal, knurled crown
- 24mm (excluding crown) x 18mm between lugs
- Thickness: 6.9mm
- Lug to lug: 39mm
- Inside caseback signed “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co. SWISS,” with Swiss gold hallmark and “18K”
- Case number: 35512
Movement
- Audemars Piguet calibre 9FSG 15/12
- Manual wind
- 17 jewels
- Adjusted to temperature and two positions
- Geneva-striped bridges with gilt engraving
- Serial number: 35512 (matching case)
- Freshly serviced
Dial
- Factory original frosted silver
- Applied Breguet-style numerals in 18kt white gold
- Black champlevé enamel minute track
- Signed “AUDEMARS, PIGUET & Co.”, “SWISS”
Provenance
- Acquired from the estate of the original owner
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