Possessing an elegant and restrained mid-century design, this vintage Audemars Piguet piece bears all the hallmarks of a classic dress watch, combined with an ultra-thin movement and corresponding slim profile. Though it was produced several decades ago, it remains preserved in wonderful condition, from the sharp case to the neatly defined retailer signature on the dial.
An intriguing representative of the period, this watch demonstrates how different variations on the dress watch can be found across vintage examples. The piece is distinguished by long, slim hour markers and baton hands, with a brushed dial that retains its light ivory shade. It speaks to a time when the Audemars Piguet aesthetic remained undefined, allowing for surprising and beautiful combinations to appear.
The unusual “Meister” signature is perhaps one of our favourite details. Meister is a Swiss jewellery firm in the vein of Tiffany & Co., Beyer, or Gübelin. Primarily a retailer, the company was founded in 1881 by the goldsmith Emil Meister, and its interests are incredibly diverse, spanning jewellery, watches and clocks, silverware, crystal, and porcelain. It survives to this day, and is based in Zürich. Though this Swiss retailer may not be the most familiar, its obscurity lends a certain desirability to the watch, reminding us of the quirky nature of certain vintage pieces.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Audemars Piguet Meister will be subject to 20% VAT.