A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Audemars Piguet automatic Calatrava, reference 5115BA, dress watch. A very rare and handsome watch from one of the world's leading names in luxury horology. This elegant and clean watch comes from the period where a number of stunning and complicated iconic watches were being made within the AP factory. This watch is no different. The large size, screw back, solid eighteen carat yellow gold case showcases this stunning bullseye style dial which highlights different finishes to the dial in order to produce this center area framed by the polished ring, framed again by another finer frame. The hour markers are the same as other markers found from other AP references from the same period, and are the same as found on a number of Patek Philippe watches. The hands are very simple and fine with an anodized center sweep seconds. They match the overall paired down and clean feel of the watch.
The watch is powered by an exceptionally high grade automatic 2499/1 caliber. This twenty one jewel movement, with swan neck regulator and solid gold edged rotor, is finished to an exceptional level. The 2499 was introduced by AP into their line up in 1953, producing around seven hundred pieces until it was eventually phased out being replaced by the K2017 in 1959.
Audemars Piguet confirmed this watch from their archive having been first sold in 1957. So, approaching nearly seventy years old, this watch is in exceptional condition. Sadly, often dress watches from this period suffer from damage to the dials. This is not the case here. The dial is original, and remains in superb condition. It retains its "Swiss" signature below the six o'clock marker. The case has been polished, not uncommon with softer high carat gold cases. However, it remains in a strong overall condition. The original hallmarks are present on both undersides of the lugs. The screw back case is very thick, and in excellent condition with no major slip marks, fully signed on the inside along with the Helvetia gold mark. If you are looking for a rare and exceptional quality time only watch with great pedigree in a larger size, this watch is very hard to beat.
