1970s Audemars Piguet "Ellipse" 18ct White Gold Diamond & Ruby Dial
Ref: 17
Specification
Lugs : 17mm (Integrated)
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : 18ct White Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold “Watch Only” and therefore without its Audemars Piguet box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with its alluring 17mm 18ct White Gold integrated bracelet with an intricate design matching the bezel, creating a flowing jewellery aesthetic secured by a folding jewellery clasp. The full bracelet length is 193mm and will roughly fit a 7.5-inch wrist, though it is always best to come in and try these integrated bracelet watches on in person to be sure. The watch is from Circa. late 1970s, it is sold in fantastic worn vintage condition, as can be seen from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gEuLsgdc6KwPwhuQTKqOjyxhp9Od9yIU?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 4:16 - https://youtu.be/H0qu8YovsI0
The Watch
Here we have a sophisticated and curvaceous 1970s Audemars Piguet "Ellipse" 18ct White Gold Diamond & Rubies Dial with a 28.5mm 18ct white Gold ellipse case, hallmarked, that sits on your wrist with a delicate flowing integrated 18ct White Gold bracelet, elegant lines lead to a lug-to-lug length of 32mm and a case thickness of an incredibly thin 4.5mm ensures a jewellery like fit. On the right side is a coin-edge push/pull crown. An elaborately sculpted bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal above a beautiful dial in a carpet of diamonds and rubies set in a pleasing geometric pattern. Delicate 18ct White Gold Dauphine hands sit majestically in the centre to complete this incredible minimalist dress watch. The mesmerising dial shimmers in the light as you rotate your wrist, just like a piece of intricate jewellery. Bringing together these elements perfectly, it is a true testament to Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship and vision, which are necessary for designing outstanding timepieces for the discerning collector. At 12 o’clock, we have the Audemars Piguet motif. On the reverse, a snap-off 18ct White Gold case back, inside a manually wound AP Cal. 2003/1, 17/18 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour, this quality ultrathin 1.64mm thick movement was jointly developed in 1946 by LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin and continued in production until 2003. The watch comes paired with its alluring 17mm 18ct White Gold integrated bracelet with intricate links matching the bezel design, creating a flowing jewellery aesthetic secured by a folding jewellery clasp. The full bracelet length is 193mm and will roughly fit a 7.5-inch wrist.
Personal Note
This incredible Audemars Piguet "Ellipse" in 18ct white gold with the most elegant integrated bracelet comes paired with a potentially unique or special order diamond & ruby dial in a carpet of diamonds and rubies set in a pleasing geometric pattern. It is amazing to consider this is what Audemars Piguet was up to in the 1970s and at the same time was introducing the Royal Oak, both have their place but it is surprising to see them from the same brand. I would not hesitate to add this gem to your collection today, an opportunity like this likely won't happen again!
The Brand
Born in Geneva, Jean-Marc Vacheron was the youngest of a master weaver’s five sons. Jean-Marc Vacheron created his watchmaking workshop at the age of 24. The company was founded on September 17, 1755. This makes it the world's oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. In 1810, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron took over the business. His impact on the company saw Vacheron enter the world of great watchmakers. At that time, his workshop began making intricate and more complicated pieces, such as musical watches playing two melodies. Commercially, the company soon developed and expanded beyond Switzerland’s borders, first in neighbouring France and then in Italy. In 1819 François Constantin met with Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron. Both men came from Geneva, sharing a passion for stylish and complicated watches. The "Vacheron et Constantin" company was soon to be created. The American watch industry became evermore a threat; therefore, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron decided to hand his business to his son in 1844. Charles-César Vacheron designed an efficient process for the factory and moved the business into new markets such as China, Spain, India and Cuba. 1906 saw the grand opening of the first Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Geneva. The great-grandnephew of François Constantin joined the business in 1914 after completing his studies at the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. During this time, the First World War broke out, and he was conscripted and sent to the northern border. Vacheron Constantin's models have been appreciated and worn by the Faruk of Egypt, the Shah of Iran and the Duke of Windsor, amongst many other famous characters over the years. In 1955, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its bi-centenary and, on this occasion, introduced the world’s thinnest watch movement, which was 1,64mm. Vacheron Constantin became the first watchmaking company to collect the rare and highly desirable “Diplôme Prestige de la France”, which recognised their talent in craftsmanship and design in 1972. A new production facility was built in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, as well as a renovation of the brand’s historical headquarters, now known as the “Maison Vacheron Constantin”. 2005 Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary.