.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
According to the Archives of Audemars Piguet, the present watch was sold in 1949 in New York.
The present reference 5504, produced in the late 1940s, offers an exceedingly rare opportunity to own a watch that supersedes many other vintage examples. According to the Audemars Piguet archives, only 20 examples were ever produced and only 13 in yellow gold such as the present example.
One of the most special and intriguing qualities of the reference 5504 is the caliber 9/10RSQ. Initially, it was based on the Cal. 9/10RS of which almost 3000 examples were produced, although it had been modified from time-only and allowed a full calendar and at the same time, full splendor. It is thought that only 68 examples of the updated caliber have ever been made. This rare and technically advanced movement can be found in only four distinct models; 5504, 5513, 5514 & 5515. Produced from 1945 - 1967, its charm also encompasses a sign of the times, a mid-century evolution for Audemars Piguet.
The caliber can be found in both round and square cases, the present watch belonging to the former which offers a wonderfully harmonious dial configuration. The circular date wheel fits with the perfectly sized applied Arabic numerals which lay toward the outer circumference. The hour and minute hands are thin, as well as the date hand, the lugs are long and slender, the case itself is large but not cumbersome with a moderately sized bezel. When one looks at this watch, its features are undoubtedly vintage inspired as well as wonderfully balanced. The present watch is endearing in so many ways, it will no doubt offer many years of inspiration and joy to the successful bidder.
For more information on the caliber 9/10RSQ and reference 5504, please see the book "Audemars Piguet Calendar Wristwatches 1924-1993", pages 36-39, by the Audemars Piguet Heritage Department.
The present reference 5504, produced in the late 1940s, offers an exceedingly rare opportunity to own a watch that supersedes many other vintage examples. According to the Audemars Piguet archives, only 20 examples were ever produced and only 13 in yellow gold such as the present example.
One of the most special and intriguing qualities of the reference 5504 is the caliber 9/10RSQ. Initially, it was based on the Cal. 9/10RS of which almost 3000 examples were produced, although it had been modified from time-only and allowed a full calendar and at the same time, full splendor. It is thought that only 68 examples of the updated caliber have ever been made. This rare and technically advanced movement can be found in only four distinct models; 5504, 5513, 5514 & 5515. Produced from 1945 - 1967, its charm also encompasses a sign of the times, a mid-century evolution for Audemars Piguet.
The caliber can be found in both round and square cases, the present watch belonging to the former which offers a wonderfully harmonious dial configuration. The circular date wheel fits with the perfectly sized applied Arabic numerals which lay toward the outer circumference. The hour and minute hands are thin, as well as the date hand, the lugs are long and slender, the case itself is large but not cumbersome with a moderately sized bezel. When one looks at this watch, its features are undoubtedly vintage inspired as well as wonderfully balanced. The present watch is endearing in so many ways, it will no doubt offer many years of inspiration and joy to the successful bidder.
For more information on the caliber 9/10RSQ and reference 5504, please see the book "Audemars Piguet Calendar Wristwatches 1924-1993", pages 36-39, by the Audemars Piguet Heritage Department.