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Lot #5071

Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 9674 Diamond Dial 18k WG

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Introduction

Throughout the twentieth century, Audemars Piguet quietly established itself as one of the world's foremost makers of ultra-thin dress watches. While today the manufacture is synonymous with the Royal Oak, its reputation was built on elegant, hand-finished timepieces that showcased extraordinary mechanical refinement rather than overt complexity. Produced during the 1960s and 1970s, these minimalist dress watches embodied the Genevan tradition of discreet luxury, with slender precious-metal cases housing movements that were among the finest ever created.

This example perfectly illustrates that philosophy. Crafted in 18k white gold, its restrained design is elevated by a silver dial set with diamond hour markers, creating an understated elegance that never feels ostentatious. Beneath the dial lies one of Audemars Piguet's greatest technical achievements: the legendary manually wound calibre 2003. Introduced in 1953 and measuring just 1.64mm thick, it remained the world's thinnest serially produced manual-wind wristwatch movement for almost half a century. Developed from the Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 803 and shared only with Vacheron Constantin, it represents one of the defining movements of post-war haute horlogerie and remains a landmark in ultra-thin watchmaking.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

V 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$8,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

Audemars Piguet

Dimensions

32mm

Model

Ultra-Thin Dress Watch

Movement

Manual-wind Audemars Piguet calibre 2003

Reference

9674

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 50's-60's

Condition

Excellent

Material

18k White Gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Silver with diamond hour markers

THE DIAL

THE DIAL

The silver dial is beautifully restrained, allowing the applied diamond hour markers to provide subtle brilliance without disrupting its minimalist aesthetic.

THE CONSTRUCTION

THE CONSTRUCTION

The slim 18k white gold case perfectly complements the remarkable thinness of the movement within. With its clean bezel, elongated lugs and elegant proportions, the design demonstrates Audemars Piguet's mastery of understated dress watch architecture.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

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 overall excellent condition. The white gold case shows light surface scratches and small nicks. The case back retains well-defined engravings. The dial features applied diamond hour markers with baguette-cut quarter markers and has some light surface marks and spotting. The hands are clean. It is fitted with a black leather strap and a steel pin buckle.

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

Our Perspective

Before the Royal Oak transformed sports watch design, Audemars Piguet built its reputation on watches exactly like this. Combining a beautifully executed precious-metal case with one of the most historically important ultra-thin movements ever made, it represents the manufacture at its most refined. For collectors who appreciate discreet craftsmanship over overt statement pieces, these vintage ultra-thin Audemars Piguet dress watches remain among the finest values in high-end vintage watchmaking.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder