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Audemars Piguet Cobra - Tri-Diamond Champagne Dial

Familiar silhouette, unexpected detail

At first glance, this is a classic AP Cobra, solid 18k yellow gold, sculptural case, integrated bracelet, and unmistakable 1970s presence. But this example rewards a closer look, because the dial is where it separates itself. Find me another. 

A dial that changes the conversation

What elevates this Cobra is its tri-diamond hour marker configuration. Rather than the single diamond markers seen on most examples, each hour here is set with three factory diamonds, arranged deliberately to depth and a playful twist on the dial. This execution is rarely encountered and materially alters how the watch reads on the wrist.

The champagne dial remains clean and balanced, allowing the diamonds to enhance the design rather than dominate it. This is Audemars Piguet adding complexity without sacrificing restraint, a hallmark of their best work from this era.

Design and presence, properly executed

The Cobra’s 18k gold case wears with far more presence than the measurements suggest, thanks to its architectural proportions and substantial gold construction. The matching braided finish across the bezel and integrated bracelet is a defining Cobra signature, creating visual continuity across the entire piece.

This detail matters. It’s also one of the first things lost when these watches are polished or overhandled, making well-preserved examples increasingly difficult to find.

Original, intact, and correctly preserved

Powered by a manual-wind movement, this Cobra stays true to Audemars Piguet’s traditional watchmaking roots. The watch is fully functional and presents in strong overall condition, with all components original, including the dial, crown, movement, and caseback.

For collectors who notice the difference

A familiar silhouette, elevated by a dial detail that quietly sets it apart. It’s the kind of watch that settles naturally into a collection, whether it’s worn often or appreciated more slowly, and continues to feel right long after the novelty wears off.

Available exclusively through our New York City boutique or online.

Key Specs

Model: Cobra

Year: 70s

Movement: Manual Wind

Case Size:29x32

Bracelet: 18K Integrated Yellow Gold

Dial: Champagne

Wrist Size:7-7.5 

SKU: 1295

History

Audemars Piguet has a long-standing tradition of producing exquisite gold watches, and the evolution of their designs in the 20th century set the stage for some of the most innovative and collectible timepieces in the watch industry.

Gold, as a material, has always been closely tied to luxury and craftsmanship. Audemars Piguet was already known for its technical prowess and innovative designs, but it was during the 1970s that the brand began to create iconic integrated gold watches—particularly those with stone dials, diamond dials, and even full diamond watches that would become highly sought-after vintage collector’s items today.

The integrated bracelet design was first popularized with the release of the Royal Oak in 1972, but the use of gold and luxurious materials in such designs was also being explored in parallel, with Audemars Piguet creating watches that combined both beauty and sophistication. These models were typically made of 18k gold, and their integration with the case and bracelet offered a seamless, fluid design that was ahead of its time.

The integrated gold watches from Audemars Piguet were an evolution of luxury timepieces in the 1970s and 1980s. The decision to use gold, combined with innovative design, was revolutionary in that it represented a departure from the traditional, conservative gold watches of the past.

Audemars Piguet also introduced models with diamond-encrusted dials, adding a layer of glamour and luxury. The use of diamonds in the dial, along with the gold case and integrated bracelet, created a truly opulent timepiece that attracted the most discerning collectors.

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!!!