Audemars Piguet Ellipse - 18k WG Diamond & Sapphire Diagonal Candy Stripe Pave

The Avant-Garde Zenith Of 1970s Haute Joaillerie

Audemars Piguet occupied a commanding position during the 1970s by aggressively pushing the boundaries of integrated jewelry watch design. Moving past conventional standalone watch cases paired with external straps, the manufacture treated the timepiece as a fluid, continuous structural artwork. This rare ellipse reference embodies that era of unapologetic luxury. Crafted from solid 18k white gold, the architecture integrates a tailored Ellipse case with a highly complex woven bracelet, delivering an executive statement piece that treats horology as a canvas for decorative metal arts.

A Masterful Alternating Diagonal Geometrical Canvas

The clear masterpiece of this design is its incredible factory-set gem dial. Departing from traditional horizontal or vertical configurations, the layout features alternating diagonal rows of pristine white brilliant-cut diamonds and vibrant blue sapphires. Each row is partitioned by fine, textured white gold borders that run parallel across the dial face, creating a mesmerizing play of light and deep color. This geometric execution completely replaces standard hour markers and indices, resulting in a layout that balances absolute artistic luxury with mid-century geometric precision. The canvas is framed by a neatly matching rope-textured bezel that softens incoming light and echoes the complex weave of the band.

Pristine Structuring And Old-World Swiss Hallmarks

Condition: Excellent. The solid 18k white gold case and its complex integrated woven bracelet have been beautifully preserved over the decades, maintaining sharp lines along the ellipse perimeter and clean definition across the textured mesh work. The bracelet remains wonderfully tight and flexible, showing no signs of the structural sagging or link stretching that can often impact vintage high-jewelry pieces. The caseback remains immaculate, showing crisp factory finishes and deeply stamped hallmarks alongside the distinctive B-series serial number (B 94812) indicating production in the mid-to-late 1970s. The diamond and sapphire pave work remains entirely intact with every stone securely seated in its factory setting.

An Elite Mechanical Expression Of High Luxury

This timepiece is built for the serious collector who demands true mechanical discipline underneath a high-jewelry presentation. Powered by an ultra-thin manual-wind movement, it honors classical Swiss watchmaking by choosing mechanical execution over quartz simplicity. Its slim profile allows the integrated structure to lay perfectly flat and flush against the anatomy of the wrist, sliding effortlessly beneath a formal dress sleeve while holding immense presence when fully unveiled. It stands as a profound, untouched alternative to standard production sports models, representing a highly curated era of independent design from one of the world's greatest holy trinity manufactures.

Key Specs

Era: 1970s
Movement: Manual Wind
Case Shape: Ellipse
Bezel: 18K White Gold Rope Pattern
Bracelet: 18K White Gold Integrated Beads of Rice
Dial: Factory Diagonal Diamond and Blue Sapphire Pave
Material: 18K White Gold