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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute repeating split-seconds chronograph pocket watch

Audemars Piguet Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph Dress Watch

Partially verified

This Audemars Piguet dress watch, identified by number 14650 and dated circa 1920, is a highly complex timepiece featuring both a minute-repeater and a split-seconds chronograph with a progressive 30-minute recorder. The watch is constructed in 18K gold and features a three-piece, massive "variee" style case with polished and satin finishes, complemented by bevelled bezels and a detachable gold cuvette. The silver satin dial is adorned with applied gold Arabic numerals and indices, with gold baton-style hands. The internal movement is an 18-ligne caliber, rhodium-plated and finished with "fausses cotes" decoration. It operates on 34 jewels and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance, and a Breguet balance spring with a swan-neck micrometric index. The repeating function is activated by a slide in the case band, while the split-seconds chronograph mechanism is integrated into the winding crown with an additional push-piece in the band.

Front view of the 18K gold Audemars Piguet dress watch showing the silver satin dial, Arabic numerals, and subsidiary registers.
Front view of the 18K gold Audemars Piguet dress watch showing the silver satin dial, Arabic numerals, and subsidiary registers. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Minute repeating split-seconds chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
395
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
14650

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a substantial 18K gold case described as "variee" in style. It features a three-piece construction with a combination of polished and satin finishes, further detailed with bevelled bezels. A detachable gold cuvette provides protection to the movement.

The silver satin dial displays applied gold Arabic numerals and index markers. It features outer minute and chronograph timing rings, with sunk subsidiary dials dedicated to seconds and a 30-minute register. Time is indicated by gold baton-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three piece, massive, "variee " , polished and sating with bevelled bezels.”
  • “Gold detachable cuvette.”
  • “Silver satin g with applied gold Arabic numerals and indexes”

Movement and Complications

The timepiece is powered by an 18-ligne rhodium-plated movement finished with "fausses cotes" decoration. It contains 34 jewels and utilizes a straight-line lever escapement. Regulation is achieved through a cut bimetallic balance adjusted to temperatures and five positions, equipped with a Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometric index.

The watch offers multiple functions including minute repeating, activated by a slide mounted in the case band, and a split-seconds chronograph. The chronograph mechanism features visible work and is operated through the winding crown, with an additional push-piece positioned in the band for the split-seconds function.

Evidence for this section
  • “18"' , rhodium plated, "fausses cotes" decoration, 34 jewels”
  • “straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance adjusted to temperatures and 5 positions”
  • “Repeating on gongs with slide in the band.”
  • “Split seconds chronograph with visible work, operated by means of the winding crown with push piece in the band.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction house provides a grading report for the watch, identifying it as Grade AAA Excellent overall. The dial is also noted as "Good" but with slight oxidation reported.

The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement. It is provided with its original fitted box and reference is made to similar dress watches documented in literature published in 1993.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 3-6-01 Good Slightly oxidized”
  • “Signed on the dial, case and movement.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific operational mechanics of the 'progressive' 30-minute recorder in this 18-ligne caliber?
  • Does the 'variee' case designation correspond to a specific internal Audemars Piguet case-maker's reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Audemars Piguet Minute Repeating Split-Seconds Chronograph Dress Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAudemars Piguet“Audemars Piguet, Geneve”
Serial Number14650“No. 14650”
Material18K gold“18K gold”
Movement Caliber18 ligne“18"' , rhodium plated”
Jewel Count34“34 jewels”
Diameter48 mm“Diam. 48 mm”
Case TypeThree piece“Three piece, massive, "variee " , polished and sating with bevelled bezels.”

Visible details

  • Silver satin finish dial with two subsidiary registers
  • Minute repeating slide located on the case band
  • Crown-integrated push-piece for split-seconds operation
  • Visible bevelled bezels on the 18K gold case

Research qualifications

  • The auction house notes that an overhaul is recommended
  • Dial reported as slightly oxidized by the auction house

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Audemars Piguet, Geneve, No. 14650, circa 1920. Very fine and rare 18K gold, keyless minute repeating dress watch with split seconds chronograph and progressive 30 minutes recorder with original fitted box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 30f35e066b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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