By Audemars Piguet
Located in New York, NY
AP’s best integrated era
Audemars Piguet’s non-Royal Oak output from the 1970s and 80s represents a pinnacle of integrated design that the brand has rarely revisited. The sharp, eight-sided bezel provides a structured frame for the deep blue Lapis Lazuli dial, creating a high-contrast look that feels far more substantial than its measurements suggest. It is a piece that prioritizes the unity of material and form over more traditional watchmaking conventions.
A preserved deep blue
Lapis Lazuli is notoriously difficult to maintain over decades, as the thin slices of stone are prone to cracking or developing hairlines from environmental stress. This dial is an exceptional survivor, retaining its vibrant blue saturation and natural golden pyrite inclusions without any visible damage. The way the stone interacts with the 18k white gold case creates a technical elegance that yellow gold cannot replicate. It manages to be unmistakably a product of its era while remaining perfectly wearable in a modern collection.
Very good overall condition
The watch is in very good overall condition, with the Lapis dial remaining essentially perfect. The 18k white gold case and integrated woven bracelet are well-preserved, showing the original crispness of the finish. There are some slight scratches on the caseback, which are consistent with age and clearly not affecting the wearability. Mechanically, the automatic movement is running well after passing our test bench, showing a healthy amplitude and keeping strong time.
Pure 1970s AP
This is a piece for the collector who values the specific "if you know, you know" nature of vintage Audemars Piguet. It carries the weight of a solid gold object...
Category
Late 20th Century Cabochon Watches
MaterialsLapis Lazuli, White Gold