Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet built its reputation on finely finished dress watches and complicated timepieces in precious metals. Decades before the Royal Oak, the Maison was closely associated with ultra-thin movements, sculptural cases, and a deep integration with the Geneva jewelry trade. Throughout much of the 20th century, Audemars Piguet’s output emphasized refinement, proportion, and material execution over overt utility.
This watch embodies the brand’s history of haute horology origins. Historically, watches of this type were produced in small numbers and distributed through select retailers in cities such as New York, Paris, and Milan. Crafted in white gold, the rounded-rectangular case is slim and carefully contoured, designed to sit flush against the wrist. The choice of white gold, modern and understated, reflects AP’s preference for subtlety over display.
The dial defines the watch. A polished black onyx surround frames a pavé-set diamond center, creating a controlled contrast between depth and brilliance. The effect is crisp and sharp, like couture for your wrist. Onyx dials were reserved for high-jewelry production due to their fragility and unforgiving nature, while the diamond setting provides a field of sparkle, much like a carefully hand-beaded fabric, creating an elegant combination of functionality and fashion.
The fully integrated white-gold bracelet continues the design without interruption, composed of articulated links with alternating finishes. A small detail that allows the bracelet to play with the light, each link expressing a different variation. This is craftsmanship at its most thoughtful.
Produced in small numbers, watches of this type appealed to collectors who viewed timepieces as objects of taste rather than instruments. Today, this Audemars Piguet stands as a highly collectible example of the Maison’s dress-watch and jewelry heritage.
Maker: Audemars Piguet
Model: Dress
Year: Late 1980s-mid 1990s
Material: 18k White Gold and Onyx and Diamonds
Dial: Pavé Diamond and Onyx
Case Measurement: 22mm x 23mm
Movement: Manual Wind
Condition: Very Good
Weight: 53.5 Grams
Size: Fits Up to 6.6" Wrist
Includes: Audemars Piguet Travel Pouch
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.
