For sale we have a 1971 Audemars Piguet reference BA 5388-296. It has a subtle Octagonal case, formed of 18ct yellow gold, with an integrated 18ct gold bracelet. The luxurious gold bezel and the gold weave of the bracelet, is executed to an exceptional standard.
These models represent significant value for money with the level of craftsmanship in the case and integrated bracelet design. No expense was spared, with the case and bracelet weighing 80g. They are also ground-breaking watches mechanically, with the use of the record breaking ultra-thin calibre 2121 movement.
A model from a fascinating time within Audemars Piguets history. Just at the cusp of the introduction of the calibre 2121 and the introduction of the Royal Oak, these ultra-thin references represent a forebearer and contemporary of the Royal Oak.
It features in multiple ultrathin references, before being chosen in 1972 for the first Royal Oak, Model 5402. A testament to the calibres quality, it was reserved for the Royal Oak Jumbo from 2000-2021.
The dial has a champagne satin base tone, with a light linear brushing. It is signed to the centre ‘Audemars Piguet Geneve’, with the ‘Automatic’ font in italics. It has Roman Numerals, which have a lovely gloss black finish. The date is neatly balanced at 3 O’clock with a facetted finish, leading to the champagne tone date window with black date.
There are neat index style hands with a gold centre and a gloss black painted finish.
The case is formed of 18ct yellow gold. It has a subtle Octagonal shape and has a neat wrist presence measuring 31.5mm x 31.5mm. The bezel is a lovely textured gold design, with a chunky surround. It holds the cut glass seamlessly, which has a bevelled finish. To the right of the case is the neat coin edge crown, which is recessed into the case. The case curves on the sides to meet the sides, with a scrolled finish. There is a polished notch, with the polished rear of the case snapping tightly in place.
The bracelet is integrated into the case and effortlessly flows with its woven finish. It secures with a neat AP marked clasp, with matching woven finish. The inside of the clasp has the AP signing, with the 750 fineness mark. There is an internal lock which helps secure it in place. It will fit up to 7.5” wrist circumference comfortably.
Inside is the calibre 2121 movement, which is an ultra-thin movement, measuring 3.05mm deep. It is a chronometer grade automatic movement, with a jewel count of 36. It has a frequency of 21,600 BPH. The rotor is capped in 21ct gold.
The movement service history is unknown, but it is in good condition, having been well maintained. It’s keeping time to within +10 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 1.0m/s.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in decent original condition. It has a champagne satin base tone, with a linear brushed finish. The original signing is good and clear with no clear signs of wear. The hour markers are good, without wear. There are some areas of marking and light scratching. The extremities of the dial have marking where it meets the bezel. This cannot be seen when the watch is cased.
Hands:
The hands are original. They are gold to the centre, with black paint. There is some scratching to the centre and light marks near the base of the hands.
Glass:
The glass is original with bevelled edge. It is in good condition with no scratching.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition.
Case:
The case is formed of 18ct gold. It is a two-piece case with the rear snapping in place against the front. The rear holds the movement. The fit of the case is good and tight. The finish to the case is good and original. It has some light marking.
Caseback:
The 18ct gold solid back is in good condition. It has been lightly polished in the past. It has light surface scratching associated with age. The serial number is still visible.
Bracelet:
The integrated 18ct gold bracelet is in good original condition. The bar to the end has been altered and returned to its original sizing. It will fit a 7.5” wrist diameter.
Movement:
The movement is an Audemars Piguet calibre K2121. It is an ultra-thin chronometer grade automatic movement, with a jewel count of 36. It has a frequency of 21,600 BPH. The rotor is capped in 21ct gold.
The movement service history is unknown, but it is in good condition, having been well maintained. It’s keeping time to within +10 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 1.0m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 31.5mm
Case width with crown: 32.25mm
Case length: 31.5mm
Case Depth: 6.25mm
Bracelet width: 20mm