104th Auction

2021/5/22

Lot 42

Audemars Piguet
Philosophique

An unusual Geneva wristwatch with just one hand for the hours and minutes - with original box

Sold

estimated
1.6003.000 €
Price realized
2.400 €
specific features
Case
18k gold/steel, screwed on back, engraving "Swiss Patent 61 78 16", AP 18k gold buckle.
Dial
Silvered.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.B78206
Cal.2003/1
Diam.31 mm
Circa1981
Ctry.Swiss


Breaking away from the traditional style of quartz timepieces in a truly spectacular manner is exactly what Augemars Piguet did when they introduced the "Philosophique" in the early 1980s. The design epitomises the free-spirited character of the watch; as it only possesses one hand for both hours and minutes, it gives only an approximate reading and thus questions the perpetual quest for the most accurate timekeeper ever made.
The case is made of 18k gold with a steel band. A small gemstone on the wide, revolving bezel serves as hour marker. The silvered dial features elegant, gold hour markers and black 15-minute divisions.