Audemars Piguet Skeleton Dress Watch 4257/002BA
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1987
Maker / issuer
Audemars PiguetThis Audemars Piguet skeletonised dress watch, reference 4257/002BA, is housed in a 30 mm 18k yellow gold case featuring Vendôme-style lugs. The watch lacks a traditional dial, instead employing a crystal to reveal an openworked movement manufactured in 14k gold.
This movement is entirely hand-engraved and sculpted, demonstrating the manufacturer's traditional decorative techniques. The periphery of the movement, where it meets the case, is set with a row of small diamonds. The watch is worn on an Audemars Piguet leather strap with an 18k yellow gold pin buckle. The movement is marked as having seventeen jewels and being adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Skeletonised dress watch
- Maker
- Audemars Piguet
- Reference
- 4257/002BA
- Provenance
- Sold in Hong Kong in 1987
- Case Diameter
- 30 mm
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Serial Number
- C60xx
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Material
- 14k gold
- Maker / attribution
- Audemars Piguet
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features a rope-pattern or gadrooned bezel design. • Movement contains 17 jewels and is adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism. • Strap attachments consist of Vendôme-style lugs. • Movement is signed '14KT' and carries serial number 'CR505'.
- Movement and Decoration
- The watch functions without a conventional dial, providing an unrestricted view of the mechanical movement. The calibre is constructed from 14k gold and features extensive hand-engraving and sculpting across its bridges and plates, a process that removes non-essential material to create an architectural effect. Technical specifications engraved on the movement confirm that it is adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism. The movement is identified as having seventeen jewels. The level of finishing, including bevelled edges and intricate patterns, reflects the manual techniques employed by the manufacture for its skeletonised timepieces produced during the 1980s.
- Case and Aesthetic Design
- The timepiece is encased in an 18k yellow gold housing measuring 30 mm in diameter. The design is characterised by Vendôme-style lugs, which provide a distinct aesthetic transition between the circular case and the leather strap. The bezel exhibits a textured finish, appearing as a repeating rope or gadrooned motif that encircles the crystal. A notable decorative feature is the integration of diamonds along the inner perimeter of the case, bordering the openworked movement. This use of gemstones serves to accentuate the connection between the mechanical components and the gold case, consistent with the manufacturer's approach to incorporating decorative arts into horological objects during this period.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object is offered as a complete set, including its original packaging and authentication materials. The set includes an original Audemars Piguet leather strap paired with a matching 18k gold pin buckle. Additional items provided include an outer cardboard box, a leather watch holder, and a hang tag that displays the watch's specific serial number, linking the physical object to the provided documentation.
Identification
- Reference
- 4257/002BA
- Serial number
- C60xx
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact serial number is stated as C60xx; the 'xx' suggests a partial or redacted identifier.
- Research required: The exact extent of individual component hand-finishing versus automated preparation for engraving is not documented.