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Audemars Piguet Octagon 18K YG "Cal. 2121", 1980s — view 1 of 6
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Audemars Piguet Octagon 18K YG "Cal. 2121", 1980s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet (maker)
Date
1980s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
APOCT2121
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (APOCT2121)
Catalogue title (original)
1980s Audemars Piguet Octagon 18K YG "Cal. 2121" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number APOCT2121), this is a wristwatch by Audemars Piguet, made in Switzerland, dated 1980s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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, Audemars Piguet has a long lineage of interesting timepieces both before the conceptualization of the Royal Oak and after. Primarily consisting of unique chronographs, complex calendars, and charming dress models that were both stylistically and mechanically very ahead of their time. Charming and geometrical, this uniquely designed octagonal gold dress watch from Audemars Piguet is a well-preserved anomaly for the brand. The angular case design increases the size of the watch well beyond its measured diameter. This watch also employs the Cal. 2121 automatic movement, which is based on the iconic 2120 movement used in the Royal Oak. Stock # APOCT2121 Brand Audemars Piguet Style Octagon Dress Watch Model N/A Serial B4XXXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial White W/ Roman Numerals Millimeters 33.5 x 37 Strap 2pc Audemars Piguet Leather Strap W/ 18K YG AP Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The impressive 18K yellow gold octagonal case is in beautiful condition, maintaining crisp factory finishing with deep hallmarks and a remarkable rosy patina formed from a lack of previous polishing. The case retains its original unsigned crown. The sapphire crystal is free of scratches or blemishes. The case back retains the factory engravings in very deep and crisp condition. The watch comes on an era-correct and unworn Audemars Piguet brown crocodile leather strap with an 18K yellow gold Audemars Piguet tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original white dial featuring Roman numerals and a "railroad" minute track is reminiscent of Cartier dials of the same era, and remains in flawless condition, showing no age or damage. The original and attractive gold hands feature a split finish, with a matte texture on the left side of the hand and a mirror polish on the right side of the hand, a technique used to accentuate the hands. ACCESSORIES The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

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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