The Quartz Crisis was a particularly stressful time for watchmakers across the globe. Not only were quartz watches destroying their business, but to remain competitive watchmakers had to constantly churn out unique and interesting designs that gave the brand a competitive edge. Such models like the Royal Oak, Nautilus and hundreds of others were born during this era, and so too was the watch we have here, the Audemars Piguet ‘Ellipse' as it is known. Made of 18kt white gold and featuring a rather large 32.5mm x 34mm rounded cushion case, it looks exactly as it is named. An exercise in minimalism, this timepiece boasts a simple black dial with applied baton hour markers, thin sword-shaped hands and no inscriptions other than AP’s name at 12 o’clock and the subtle “Swiss” mark at the edge of 6 o’clock. A dress watch that tries to go unnoticed even with its large case, it features a thin bezel and a flat winding crown which powers its manual-wind movement. Perhaps perfectly contrasting some of the ‘out-there’ designs produced during the Quartz Crisis, this model and others like it from AP have found themselves grow into a piece that collectors cherish for their subtle aesthetics and contemporary sizing which makes them an easy watch to enjoy in today’s world of watches.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case exhibits some wear on the surface and edges, including some visible marks under the crystal rehaut. Dial is excellent showing light oxidation on the indexes. The watch comes with an original white gold AP buckle made by Wenger.

A wonderfully unique watch as we have come to know AP for, the TV Ellipse showcases a design language that contrasts that of the Royal Oak, a watch born during the same era, yet entirely different.