Audemars Piguet 5043 ‘Ultra Thin’ Full Set 18k Yellow Gold from 1958

This Audemars Piguet reference 5043 is a beautiful example of the manufacture’s pursuit of elegant, ultra-thin watchmaking. This watch was produced in September 1958, as can be seen from the original papers, which are still present with the watch.

The 18k yellow gold case measures 32 mm with a 35 mm lug to lug length and was manufactured by Eggly & Cie. (Geneva key no. 23). This distinguished Genevan case maker also produced the cases for the sculptural Patek Philippe 2407 and the illustrious Patek Philippe 1595, highlighting the exceptional quality of its craftsmanship. The clean white dial features the desirable early long Audemars Piguet signature. Its gold mirror hour markers catch and reflect the light beautifully, creating a subtle play of light that will have you admiring the dial time and time again.

Power comes from the hand wound Audemars Piguet calibre 2003. Introduced in 1953, this movement was developed from the groundbreaking AP 9ML, originally created in 1946 as the world’s thinnest hand wound movement. Further refined in collaboration with Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin, the calibre 2003 became one of the finest ultra thin movements ever produced and remained in production for decades.

This example is accompanied by its original box and papers and remains in good overall condition, offering an exceptional opportunity to acquire an important chapter in the history of Swiss haute horlogerie.