
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 18K WG "Cal. 2080" Silver Dial, 1980s
- Maker / attribution
- Audemars Piguet (maker)
- Date
- 1980s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- silver
- Dimensions
- Case 32 mm
- Stock no.
- APUTWG2080
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (APUTWG2080)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1980s Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 18K WG "Cal. 2080" Silver Dial (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number APUTWG2080), 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. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. Recorded dimensions: Case 32 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 dress models, Audemars Piguet produced some highly collectible chronographs and dress models that were stylistically, in many cases, very ahead of their time. Sophisticated and simple, this classically designed ultra-thin dress watch from Audemars Piguet is all business and no frills, but downright elegant. The 32mm case size may seem small, though the utilization of the large silver dial gives this watch a wrist presence that wears much larger than its measurements without sacrificing its charming style. Stock # APUTWG2080 Brand Audemars Piguet Style Ultra-Thin Dress Watch Model N/A Serial D16XXX Size Men's / Unisex Material 18K White Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 32 Strap 2pc Handmade Black Leather Strap W/ 18K WG AP Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The svelte 18K white gold case is in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of previous use. The 18K white gold bezel displays gentle signs of use but no dings or notable markings. The unsigned crown is original to the watch. The case back retains all of its original factory markings and hallmarks in deep and crisp condition. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap with an 18K wg Audemars Piguet tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original silver dial perfectly executes the "less is more" philosophy with its minimalist design. The dial is very well preserved with a subtle warmth from age, the only notable imperfections are some gentle elements of age at the top right corner of the dial. The original hands are in perfect condition. 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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