AUDEMARS PIGUET’S VINTAGE CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCHES ARE
AMONG THE RAREST IN THE WORLD.
In the field of wristwatches, the story is different. According to the Archives, before 1980, Audemars Piguet counted a total of 307 chronograph wristwatches, all produced between 1930 and 1962.
Today, Audemars Piguet’s vintage chronograph wristwatches are among the rarest in the world. Before 1950, the concept of model did not exist at Audemars Piguet. Each watch produced was a unique piece but some were similar. We consider them pre-models.
A study of the Archives has revealed that the 307 chronograph wristwatches are classified in 40 pre-models and models. An examination of the collections and secondary sources shows that each timepiece remains unique.
Interestingly, this story began at the hardest time in the company’s history. Between 1932 and 1939, the economic crisis struck Audemars Piguet. From 30 employees before the crisis, the total workforce was reduced to only 10 to 15 watchmakers. During this decade, they created slightly more than 50 chronograph wristwatches.