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Audemars Piguet Ultra-Thin 5001 - 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Small Seconds

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Details
The Foundation Of A Legacy
Before the Royal Oak, there was this. The reference 5001 is a genuinely rare early model, and it comes from the very start of Audemars Piguet's serialization scheme, which makes it a useful marker for anyone tracing the brand's mid-century output. In the early 1950s AP's reputation rested entirely on elegant, ultra-thin dress watches executed in precious metal, and this piece is a pure expression of that identity. It is a confident, understated design from one of the true masters of the craft.
A Study In Mid-Century Proportions
This watch is defined by its restraint. The solid 18k yellow gold case is slim on the wrist, a faithful execution of the ultra-thin philosophy AP championed, and there is no bezel work, no applied drama, nothing asking for attention. It disappears under a cuff and reemerges with quiet authority. For a watch that is over seventy years old, the design has aged into relevance rather than out of it.
An Honest Example From A Classic Era
This example is in good overall condition. The dial has survived remarkably well and presents in excellent shape for its age. The caseback shows signs of a past polish, while the rest of the case shows wear consistent with a piece from the early 1950s. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
The Ritual Of The Wind
The appeal here runs to anyone who values the core identity of Audemars Piguet beyond the hype of its modern sports models. It offers a connection to an era of pure watchmaking that gets harder to find every year. The manual wind movement asks for a daily interaction, and the simple act of winding the crown each morning builds a physical bond between owner and machine that no rotor can replicate. It is a reminder of what a watch is meant to be.
Key Specs
Reference: 5001
Model: Ultra-Thin
Year: 1951
Movement: Manual
Case Size: 32mm
Dial: Silver with Small Seconds
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold
Strap: Leather
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
SKU: 1430

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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!!!