{"product_id":"audemars-piguet-tank-18k-yellow-gold-cream-patina-dial","title":"Audemars Piguet Tank – 18K Yellow Gold Cream Patina Dial","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Rare Glimpse Into Post War Audemars Piguet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eArchive research places this piece in a very narrow production window between 1951 and 1952. During this era, the manufacturer was producing a fraction of the watches they do today, focusing almost exclusively on high level dress pieces and artisan movement construction. We have deduced through the Audemars Piguet archives that the manufacturer halted the adoption of this specific movement in 1952, while this serial number range only began in 1951. This represents a period when Audemars Piguet was a much smaller operation, producing very few watches compared to their modern output. It is a design that captures the mid century obsession with geometric elegance, existing long before the brand became defined by its sport watch contributions.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Transition Of Post War Engineering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe Cal 9ML movement is a significant technical precursor in the manufacturer's lineage in post-war Europe. It was the foundation for the ultra thin hand wound movements that would eventually define the brand's reputation for elegance. This rectangular 18k yellow gold case is an example of the geometric dress style that ruled the era before the brand pivoted toward sports watches. Owning a piece from this specific serialization transition offers a level of historical context that is rarely available for mid century Audemars Piguet.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVisible Age And Mechanical Integrity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe condition is fair. The acrylic crystal is in great shape. The cream dial is misaligned and therefore exposes a screw from the movement near 8:30. The 18k yellow gold case shows honest wear but retains its distinct rectangular profile and hallmarks. After passing our test bench, the manual movement is running well.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSophisticated Design Preceding The Sport Era\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis watch works because it represents the raw history of one of the most important watchmakers in the world. The proportions are classic and refined, designed for a time when discretion was the ultimate luxury. It is a piece for the collector who values the archive backed story and the mechanical density of a rare manual caliber. It is a sophisticated, historical object that carries a level of soul that modern luxury production cannot replicate.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Specs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eModel: Tank (Cal. 9ML) \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eYear: 1951–1952 \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eMovement: Manual Wind (Precursor Cal. 9ML) \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCase Size: 27x27mm \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eBracelet: Leather \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eDial: Cream \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eMetal: 18K YG \u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eSKU: 482\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Audemars Piguet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55713476772131,"sku":"10482","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0889\/6099\/1523\/files\/1951_Audemars_Piguet_Rectangular_18K_Yellow_Gold_Cream_Patina_Dial-708-0.jpg?v=1791301716","url":"https:\/\/dannysvintagewatches.com\/products\/audemars-piguet-tank-18k-yellow-gold-cream-patina-dial","provider":"Danny's Vintage Watches","version":"1.0","type":"link"}