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Audemars Piguet 18k WG (Ref. 14524/0988) "Ultra Thin", 1998 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Audemars Piguet 18k WG (Ref. 14524/0988) "Ultra Thin", 1998

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet (maker)
Date
1998
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 31.5 mm
Stock no.
AP14524WG
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (AP14524WG)
Catalogue title (original)
1998 Audemars Piguet 18k WG (Ref. 14524/0988) "Ultra Thin" W/ Guarantee Booklet (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number AP14524WG), this is a wristwatch by Audemars Piguet, made in Switzerland, dated 1998. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 31.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Although Audemars Piguet may be best known for their Royal Oak series, notably designed by Gerald Genta, AP had a long lineage of interesting timepieces both before the conceptualization of the Royal Oak and after. Primarily consisting of precious metals, Audemar Piguet produced some highly collectible chronographs and dress models that were stylistically, in many cases, very ahead of their time. This Audemars Piguet ref. 14524/0988 is solid 18k white gold and features an orantate, yet subtle integrated mesh bracelet which comfortably molds around the wrist. But the true beauty is behind the case back, the ultra-thin cal. 2003 manual winding movment allows this watch to stand at only 5mm thick, hence the name "Ultra Thin". And with a diameter of 31.5mm, this AP would make an elegant and sophisticated companion for any collector, male or female. Stock # AP14524WG Brand Audemars Piguet Style Ultra Thin Model 14524/0988 Serial C9XXXX Size Men's/ Unisex Material 18K WG Dial Gray Millimeters 31.5mm Strap Audemars Piguet 18k WG Integrated Mesh Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The ultra thin 18k white gold case remains unpolished, retaining its factory brushing of the mid case and deep hallmarks on the case back and bracelet. The case retains its original unsighed winding crown. The original integrated 18k white gold bracelet is a work of art and will fit up to a 7.5 in. wrist. DIAL & HANDS The simple yet stunning gray dial is in flawless factory condition, featuring applied Roman numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock markers. The original hour and minute hands remain in flawless untouched condition as well. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with its Certificate of Origin and Guarantee.

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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