An Extremely Rare 1978 1. Series Special Order Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton Automatic, 18kt Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch with Engraved Bridges & Rotors & Special Order Signed Gold Rondel Bamboo Sport Style Bracelet. Basic Specifications & Case Dimensions. Largest vintage skeleton automatic concept in production during period. Wrist Size fits up to 200mm Can be resized as necessary extended or shortened as a complimentary service Full Signed, Case, Movement, Clasp & Accompanied by Original presentation AP Case. Perfect Condition throughout and Recently serviced, collector new (unused) example indicated by sharp hallmarks and signatures throughout case. Special Order Sport Gold Rondel flexible bracelet. Period Signature AP Signed Clasp. Thinnest automatic movement ever produced at time 2.45mm. Caliber 2120 Skeletonized hand. Engraved Limited Edition movement considered the most sophisticated skeletonized movement of period. The Present watch is an Extremely Rare Audemars Piguet Skeletonized Automatic wristwatch and is probably the most important skeletonized wristwatch that Audemars Piguet put into production as an extremely limited 1. Additionally, compared to other automatic skeleton wristwatches from the late 1970/1980s, it is also the largest automatic skeleton in. Production when compared to Patek Philippes 2. 8-31mm automatic wristwatch and Vacheron Constantin. S 33mm automatic wristwatch as the present example case design is a staggering 35mm making it the largest vintage automatic produced in this period when skeletonized wristwatches were first introduced and having the most sophisticated mechanism as well. Prior to this example, technology to create a mechanism which could be skeleton let alone even an automatic was deemed nearly impossible as an ultra thin movements would be required and the problem for having enough power was a main issue making the present example not only beautiful work of engineering, but also extremely important and highly collectible as a long term investment due to its extremely limited production and overall significance to the brand. Additionally, the present 1. Series Audemars Piguet Skeletonized automatic also is extremely rare as it is in perfect condition and is accompanied by its original special order 18kt yellow gold gold rondel. Sport signed bracelet and original Audemars Piguet presentation case. Overall, it is probably one of the most rare skeletonized vintage wristwatches produced by all the top firms during this timeframe as a result of its size, automatic mechanism and technological limits it surpassed to create a foundation for more complicated skeleton wristwatches to be produced there after thus making it one of the ultimate examples in Vintage Skeleton Timepieces to collect for even the most seasoned collectors. A Closer Look at Skeletonization in the 1970s & The Caliber 2120. During this period, skeletonized wristwatches were first introduced in the 1970s and in order to innovate such a case design concept, competition to produce the most ultra thin automatic movements began by all the leading firms in order to fit a movement thin enough into a case which can show its engineering on display from all sides and still keep time accurately. However, in doing so there are a number of reasons why it is so hard to make a very thin watch and also one that runs accurately. Essentially making a movement thinner takes away vital engineering parts which usually are required to create enough power which feed through the gear train to the balance wheel so it can oscillate at a large enough amplitude to basically maintain the overall accuracy of time in a wristwatch making sure all the gears run at the precision timing locations. Because the height of the spring in an ultra thin movement is shortened dramatically as it is made thinner, it makes it much harder to have enough power from the mainspring as a result because the amount of power usually is created based on the height of that watch part and in an ultra thin movement it must be shorter since the movement must be extra thin. In order to achieve this new concept, the leading firms had to re-invent a completely different movement technology and architecture which avoids excessive loss of power due to friction which would make the watch inaccurate at timekeeping as a result. Each brand created their own version to surpass this obvious obstacle. During this period, Vacheron and Constantin and Patek Philippe were known for competing with one another to produce the best and first skeletonized wristwatches as they recognized a demand in the marketplace for the skeletonized wristwatch concept. Design than both its competitors and also deploys a more sophisticated, never before seen movement technology to expand the capabilities of their competitors automatic skeletonized movement technology further by creating a movement which can also allow for additional complications to be innovated, an element none of. Were capable of at this time making the present example the most important over other skeleton mechanisms. As a result, the Caliber 2120 was produced at an impressive 2.45mm thinness and at that time it was considered the thinnest full rotor movement In the world- the identical movement that is in the present timepiece being offered here today. This innovation went on to became one the most important technological breakthroughs in contemporary watchmaking with regard to complicated skeletonized wristwatches and for the Audemars Piguet brand especially as it acted as the foundation for the firms most popular line of wristwatch designs today: The skeletonized royal oaks. With a Hand-skeletonized and hand-engraved AP2120 movement in the traditional manner, the present timepiece achieves the feat of creating the Calatrava squellette that the firm has so soundly built its reputation on for over 50 years with their skeleton concept. By constructing a design which allows for a suspending mainspring barrel it solved the issues of a lower height which would have made it impossible to have enough power for timekeeping to be accurate by. Making the movements periphery more mass heavy and supporting its edges with ruby rollers on. Its underside which can be seen at the edge of the movement through close examination. The feat of creating the Calatrava Squelette Reference offered here today called for extreme skill not only from the watchmakers who designed the Caliber 2120 which is their thinnest skeletonized mechanical movement but also the watchmaker had to know precisely where the limitations lie in taking material away so he or she does not cause the movement to stop functioning properly as a result of over engraving or error when working with such a thin movement and surface space. The complete skeletonization of this movement would have taken the firm several months to produce and afterwards an additional 150-250 plus hours to hand engrave and add a cornucopia of arabesques and volutes that decorate the highly visible metal remaining in the movement which accent its rotors and bridges. Engraving is an inimitable skill that creates neat, shining lines and a subtle play of light upon a difficult metal canvas and turns the present timepiece into a work of art for the wrist. In addition, the present reference is considered one of the most premier skeletonized examples, completely hand crafted by Audemars Piguet most elite master engravers of their time which were employed to apply their elite skill level to this highly specialized creation and feature beautifully chased and engraved decor to the specifically chosen and designed ultra-thin 2120 caliber movement making it a true trophy timepiece. Also adding to the premier status of this 1. Series example, the firm decided to no longer offer extra fine detailing of engraving to the rotors and bridges on the skeletonized wristwatches after the innovation of the present first series which is the only known series to have this element and one of the best elements of a skeletonized wristwatch in the first place adding further collectability and rarity since it embodies all the best workmanship and engineering elements available at the time of production. Vintage Skeleton Automatics Vs the Audemars Piguet 1. Compared to other vintage skeletonized wristwatches, the present example stands out as the most desirable skeletonized bracelet watch of the period as well as the most under market value acquisition for several reasons. Additionally, Due to the technology in this example, Below are just a few of the case designs which went into production from the caliber technology innovated in the present example just to give an idea how significant the present timepiece is to the brand as a whole. Perpetual calendar and equation of time. The worlds thinnest automatic perpetual calendar when introduced in 1978. Automatic with date and center seconds. Automatic with date Audemars Piguet still uses Cal. 2120 as of 2019. Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Extra-Thin, Ref. Audemars Piguet Tradition Extra-Thin, Ref. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tuxedo, Ref. The condition of this timepiece is immaculate with sharp signatures and hallmarks throughout on the case, bracelet clasp and movement. The bracelet is virtually unworn and shows no discoloration and is totally mint throughout with no pulls or tears to the bold sport style bamboo textured pattern. The dial and movement are also in perfect condition with no dents to exterior and movement has been recently cleaned and serviced. Additionally, the timepiece comes fully signed and complete with its Audemars Piguet Presentation case, inner and outer box. If you are interested in a truly one of a kind skeleton which is way under market value this would be a great addition for the experienced collector or the beginner collector who appreciates a skeletonized dial as this example is the largest vintage skeletonized wristwatch put into production when the skeletonized wristwatches were first launched by the major brands and has the most sophisticated caliber movement available in the timeframe. In addition, the present example is equipped with every available amenity the brand offers with regard to special features on the movement engravings and a rare special order bolder flexible sport bracelet allowing its user to wear it versatile for daywear comfortably as well as perfect for nights out with its oversized and very elaborate dial that makes it a definite conversation piece by anyone who comes into contact with it. The item “Rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Skeleton Automatic 1st series 1970s Wristwatch” is in sale since Tuesday, September 22, 2020. This item is in the category “Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches”. The seller is “exoticwatchcollectors2″ and is located in Pacific Palisades, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Model: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Department: Unisex Adult
- Style: Casual
- Case Color: 18kt yellow gold
- Case Material: Yellow Gold
- Dial Style: skeleton
- Movement: Mechanical (Automatic)
- Band Material: Yellow Gold
- Type: Wristwatch
- Features: skeleton
- Year Manufactured: 1970-1979
- Dial Color: Clear
- Band Color: Gold
- Display: Analog
- Brand: Audemars Piguet