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Lot #1894

Audemars Piguet Disco Volante 5093 Retailed by Cartier

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Introduction

A popular timepiece originating in the 1950s and remaining in production until the late '60s, the Audemars Piguet Disco Volante ("Flying Disc" in Italian) is a casual take on the luxurious designs that had dominated the wristwatch market for the better part of 50 years. A desirable timepiece in its day, the AP Disco Volante ref. 5093 was beloved by collectors for its unique aesthetic and lean profile. Thanks to the ultra-thin AP cal. 2003 powering it, the Disco Volante measures in at around 4mm thick – a truly remarkable achievement for the time. This slim profile, combined with its thick saucer-like multi-textured bezel, gave the Disco Volante a futuristic design that proved to be wonderfully popular with collectors at the time. Whilst it is an incredible piece of horological engineering, the Disco Volante's most vital asset is perhaps its presence on the wrist. With its multi-textural bezel, Cartier-signed golden dial, and integrated crown, this Disco Volante is as aesthetically pleasing as they come and wears fantastically as it hugs your wrist.

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Grade

V 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$6,000 – $8,000

The Details

Brand

Audemars Piguet

Dimensions

35mm (3.6mm thickness)

Model

Disco Volante

Movement

Mechanical Caliber 2003

Reference

5093

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1950s

Condition

Very good

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Champagne

THE DIAL

While the Disco Volante's multi-textural bezel is easily its most distinctive feature, this example's pièce de résistance is its Cartier-signed champagne sector dial, an extremely rare inclusion in vintage Audemars Piguet watches.

THE CASE

A side profile look at the razor-thin case (and movement) of the "Disco Volante". A groundbreaking innovation for its time, and today a hallmark of its distinctive design.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case has signs of wear, including generally soft edges. The textured bezel presents nicely, with only light signs of wear along the pattern. The dial is in good condition with some paint loss and couple dents visible on the surface.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap(s) will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

Completely unprecedented and a true marvel for its time- Audemars Piguet's Disco Volante ref. 5093 was the thinnest watch ever produced in the early 1950's. To this day, it maintains its position as one of the narrowest movements ever manufactured. This specific example is in stellar original condition, and boasts an exceedingly rare dial. All in all, this example is just as elusive as it is exquisite.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder