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Audemars Piguet Bamboo - Ruby & Pave Diamond Dial

A watch you don’t come across twice.

Loud on paper, refined on the wrist, and unmistakably special once you understand what you’re looking at. Built for someone who appreciates rarity before recognition.

A design that never needed explaining

This Audemars Piguet Bamboo sits at the very top of the model’s hierarchy, created during a period when AP was leaning fully into high-design, jewelry-forward watches that were made in extremely small numbers and never meant for mass appeal.

The defining feature here is the dial. Pavé diamonds with ruby hour markers represent the rarest execution of the Bamboo, with only a small number believed to still exist today. Many examples from this era were scrapped over time for their gold and diamonds, making intact, original survivors exceptionally hard to find. A yellow gold Bamboo with this dial configuration sits firmly at the top end of the Bamboo's original catalog.

Beyond the dial, the Bamboo itself is one of Audemars Piguet’s most impressive design achievements of the era. The bracelet is the watch. Each articulated “bamboo” link is individually shaped, finished, and assembled to create a fluid, organic bracelet that wears more like fine jewelry than a traditional watch. From an craftsmans standpoint, it’s complex, labor-intensive, and impossible to replicate today without massive cost. From a design standpoint, it’s instantly recognizable and completely unlike anything else AP produced.

This is not a variation, it’s the pinnacle.

Condition is everything

Condition throughout is immaculate. The case remains sharp, the bracelet is tight and well-preserved, and the dial is flawless. Powered by Audemars Piguet’s ultra-thin quartz caliber, the watch wears slim and effortlessly, exactly as intended during this period when AP was focused on elegant, jewelry-forward execution.

If you’re looking for a rare, visually arresting, and genuinely difficult-to-replace Audemars Piguet, this Bamboo stands out as a collector-grade piece. It’s equally compelling for the seasoned collector who understands how rare this configuration truly is, or for someone building a collection around exceptional design rather than obvious choices.

Now available exclusively through our New York City flagship boutique or online.

History

The Audemars Piguet Bamboo has become one of the most sought-after vintage gold watches today—and for good reason. With its instantly recognizable bamboo-style integrated bracelet, this model blends high design with high craftsmanship, embodying a distinct moment in watchmaking when elegance, precision, and artistic flair were all equally prioritized.

The Bamboo line was introduced by Audemars Piguet in the 1970s, during a golden era of bold experimentation with case shapes and bracelet integration. These watches were designed and manufactured in very limited numbers, each painstakingly crafted by hand. The bracelet alone was a technical feat, requiring specialized artisans to construct its sculptural, jointed links that resemble bamboo stalks—fluid, flexible, and incredibly comfortable on the wrist. This wasn’t mass production—it was old-world craftsmanship at its finest.

The collection featured a variety of references, including time-only models and a larger, ultra-rare moonphase version, showcasing just how versatile the Bamboo design could be. Despite the diversity in the line, all share the same refined, architectural look and feel that makes them so iconic today.

Most examples were produced in 18k yellow gold, but a small number were also made in 18k two-tone white and yellow gold, and an even smaller handful in white gold. The white gold models, in particular, are exceedingly rare and highly sought-after for their understated elegance and scarcity.

While exact production numbers aren’t publicly confirmed, it’s widely understood that very few Bamboo models were made, and each was carefully hand-finished. That rarity, combined with their comfort, weight, and timeless style, has made the Bamboo one of the most collectible vintage integrated bracelet watches on the market today.

In a world where vintage integrated designs like the Royal Oak and Nautilus dominate headlines, the AP Bamboo has carved out a loyal following of its own—celebrated for its elegance, wearability, and unique design heritage. It represents a period of creativity and bold design at Audemars Piguet that’s still unmatched, and with so few surviving in top condition, owning one is like owning a piece of refined horological sculpture.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!