Audemars Piguet may be synonymous with the Royal Oak, but true connoisseurs know the brand’s archives hold some of the most daring and avant-garde designs in watchmaking history. The Audemars Piguet Cobra is a perfect example—a rare and breathtaking creation by none other than Gérald Genta, the visionary behind the Royal Oak.
Crafted in 18K white gold, this Cobra is pure luxury. The intricately woven Polonaise mesh bracelet, an architectural marvel that seamlessly flows into the case, creates a design so fluid and sculptural it feels almost organic. This is the kind of craftsmanship that Genta himself called “magnificent,” a testament to his obsession with perfectly integrated form and function.
For us, what makes this watch so special and breathtaking is the shape of the dial. You can only describe it by what it is not. The sides are gently convex, not continuously curved like an ellipse. The top and bottom flatten slightly before turning; you cannot call it an oval. Not quite a lozenge, not quite a cushion. The shape is defined by orientation rather than symmetry.
Then there is the combination of the coolness of the white gold framing the midnight blue of the dial. The case and bracelet act like a light source, while the midnight blue dial acts like depth. The eye reads the watch from the outside in, then settles. That’s why the baton indices work so well: they’re thin enough to avoid breaking the field, but metallic enough to reintroduce light inside the blue, like distant points on a dark horizon.
Underneath, a manual wind movement powers the watch, a nod to classical Swiss horology.
Cobra models are elusive and rarely seen in the wild, and this particular reference is even rarer. With its striking proportions and impeccable provenance, this is more than just a timepiece—it’s a genuine collector’s trophy.
Maker: Audemars Piguet
Model: Rare Cobra
Year: 1978-1984
Material: 18k White Gold
Dial: Midnight Blue
Case Measurement: 27mm
Movement: Manual Wind
Condition: Very good
Weight: 78 Grams
Size: Fits Up to 6.1" Wrist
Made in Switzerland
All vintage and pre-owned watches sold by Stephanie Windsor are guaranteed to be genuine and authentic. We also guarantee the proper functioning of your watch’s mechanical movement for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Our warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidents, misuse, neglect, water damage or normal wear and tear. Please note that we do not guarantee waterproofing on vintage or pre-owned timepieces. We therefore do not recommend submerging your timepiece in water or any liquid.
