1950s Audemars Piguet ref. 5001 with oval lugs

Audemars Piguet, a prestigious Swiss watchmaking brand, has a rich and illustrious history that spans nearly 150 years. The company was founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet in the Vallée de Joux, a region renowned for its watchmaking expertise.

Until the 1950s, Audemars Piguet watches did not bear any reference number, being identified by their case and movement number only. Progressively introduced during the 50s, the reference numbers allowed better identification and production control. This model bears the reference 5001, the second reference produced after the reference system was established. Like all AP watches from the era, it was produced in very low quantities, making this watch a rare piece.

The case is made of 18 karat yellow gold. Its apparently simple design hides marvelous oval lugs, best revealed when looked from the side. It also features a nice eggshell dial with applied indexes and numerals, and a very simple small second with no track. This is a design masterpiece and we literally fell in love with this piece.

The movement is an early iteration of the caliber 2001, also used by Vacheron Constantin.