Audemars Piguet Tonneau Automatic Yellow Gold (Ref. BA 5279), 1973

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance 1973 was an extraordinary time for Audemars Piguet. Just one year earlier, the manufacturer had introduced the Royal Oak, a watch that would fundamentally change the direction of luxury watchmaking. Yet alongside that revolutionary stainless steel sports watch, Audemars Piguet continued producing some of the most interesting traditional dress watches of the period. These watches rarely receive the same attention as the Royal Oak, despite sharing much of the manufacturer's technical expertise and creative approach to design. The reference BA5279 is a fascinating example of this lesser-known side of Audemars Piguet, combining an unusual yellow gold case with one of the most important automatic movements of the twentieth century. The caliber K2120 is central to the appeal of the reference 5279. Based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 920 ébauche, the movement was developed during an era when manufacturers were competing to create increasingly thin automatic calibers. Its construction incorporates a full-sized winding rotor supported by a peripheral roller system, allowing the movement to maintain an exceptionally slim profile without sacrificing the advantages of automatic winding. The movement became closely associated with some of the most celebrated watches of the period, including the original Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus, which used related versions of the same movement architecture. Vacheron Constantin also employed the caliber family in several important references. Few automatic movements have enjoyed such a distinguished history across multiple prestigious manufacturers. What makes the reference 5279 particularly interesting is the way Audemars Piguet used this sophisticated movement in a watch that looks nothing like the Royal Oak. The yellow gold case follows a broad cushion-shaped design, with softly rounded corners and substantial surfaces surrounding the dial. Its architecture is distinctly characteristic of the early 1970s, when manufacturers were exploring unconventional shapes that departed from the restrained round dress watches of previous decades. The relatively compact 32mm measurement tells only part of the story, as the broad case design creates a considerably stronger visual presence than the dimensions suggest. The dial provides a beautiful contrast to the more expressive case. Finished in a warm champagne tone, it incorporates a finely brushed surface, slender applied hour markers, and understated hands. There is very little unnecessary decoration, allowing the relationship between the dial and the surrounding gold case to define the watch's appearance. The automatic designation is discreetly positioned beneath the Audemars Piguet signature, offering a subtle reference to the exceptional movement inside. This combination of an unconventional exterior and restrained dial design is one of the most appealing characteristics of Audemars Piguet's dress watches from the period. Writer’s Thoughts The reference 5279 is a wonderful reminder that some of the most interesting vintage Audemars Piguet watches have little resemblance to the Royal Oak. The broad yellow gold case has an unmistakable 1970s personality, with its soft cushion shape and substantial surfaces creating a watch that feels considerably larger than 32mm. There is something particularly attractive about the contrast between that expressive case and the simplicity of the champagne dial. The watch has a strong visual identity without relying on a complicated display or elaborate decoration. The caliber K2120 makes the reference even more compelling. A movement associated with some of the most historically important luxury sports watches of the twentieth century is housed inside a remarkably different interpretation of Audemars Piguet's design philosophy. That contrast is part of what makes these lesser-known references so enjoyable to discover. The same technical achievement that helped make the original Royal Oak possible was also being used in elegant gold dress watches with entirely different personalities. For collectors interested in the manufacturer's history beyond its most recognizable collection, the reference 5279 offers an especially rewarding perspective. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Audemars Piguet Model: Automatic Cushion Case Reference: BA 5279 Year: 1973 Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold Case Size: 32mm Dial: Champagne Brushed Dial with Applied Gold Hour Markers Movement: Audemars Piguet Caliber K2120, Automatic Strap/Buckle: Alligator Leather Strap Buckle/Clasp: Generic Pin Buckle Contents: Watch and Papers Condition Case: Yellow gold case remains in beautiful vintage condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The broad cushion-shaped case retains attractive definition. Dial: Champagne dial remains in excellent condition with well-preserved brushed finishing, applied hour markers, and clear printing. Some marks on the dial are only noticeable in certain light. Hands: Gold hands remain in good condition with light aging consistent with the watch. Crystal: Crystal remains in good condition with light surface wear. Strap/Buckle: Olive alligator leather strap is new. Buckle/Clasp: Pin buckle is new.