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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Skeletonised dress watch

Audemars Piguet Skeleton Dress Watch 4257/002BA

Partially verified

This Audemars Piguet skeletonised dress watch, reference 4257/002BA, is housed in a 30 mm 18k yellow gold case featuring Vendôme-style lugs. The watch lacks a traditional dial, instead employing a crystal to reveal an openworked movement manufactured in 14k gold. This movement is entirely hand-engraved and sculpted, demonstrating the manufacturer's traditional decorative techniques. The periphery of the movement, where it meets the case, is set with a row of small diamonds. The watch is worn on an Audemars Piguet leather strap with an 18k yellow gold pin buckle. The movement is marked as having seventeen jewels and being adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism.

Front view of the Audemars Piguet 4257/002BA watch showing the skeletonised movement and diamond-set perimeter.
Front view of the Audemars Piguet 4257/002BA watch showing the skeletonised movement and diamond-set perimeter. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Skeletonised dress watch
Maker / attribution
Audemars Piguet
Reference
4257/002BA
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1987
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
C60xx

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 Aesthetic Design

The timepiece is encased in an 18k yellow gold housing measuring 30 mm in diameter. The design is characterised by Vendôme-style lugs, which provide a distinct aesthetic transition between the circular case and the leather strap. The bezel exhibits a textured finish, appearing as a repeating rope or gadrooned motif that encircles the crystal.

A notable decorative feature is the integration of diamonds along the inner perimeter of the case, bordering the openworked movement. This use of gemstones serves to accentuate the connection between the mechanical components and the gold case, consistent with the manufacturer's approach to incorporating decorative arts into horological objects during this period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in an elegant 30 mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold”
  • “wonderfully refined Vendôme-style lugs”
  • “the area where the movement meets the case is tastefully decorated with a delicate row of diamonds.”

Movement and Decoration

The watch functions without a conventional dial, providing an unrestricted view of the mechanical movement. The calibre is constructed from 14k gold and features extensive hand-engraving and sculpting across its bridges and plates, a process that removes non-essential material to create an architectural effect.

Technical specifications engraved on the movement confirm that it is adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism. The movement is identified as having seventeen jewels. The level of finishing, including bevelled edges and intricate patterns, reflects the manual techniques employed by the manufacture for its skeletonised timepieces produced during the 1980s.

Evidence for this section
  • “There is no conventional dial here — just a crystal offering an unobstructed view of the extraordinary movement beneath.”
  • “Entirely hand-engraved and sculpted, the movement is executed in 14k gold”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is offered as a complete set, including its original packaging and authentication materials.

The set includes an original Audemars Piguet leather strap paired with a matching 18k gold pin buckle. Additional items provided include an outer cardboard box, a leather watch holder, and a hang tag that displays the watch's specific serial number, linking the physical object to the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “confirming a sale in Hong Kong in 1987”
  • “original Audemars Piguet leather strap and its original 18k gold pin buckle.”
  • “There is even an AP hang tag carrying the watch’s serial number.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific calibre designation for the 14k gold movement used in the 4257/002BA?
  • To what extent did the transition to skeletonised movements in the 1980s rely on earlier ebauche supplies versus entirely in-house production of the gold plates?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Audemars Piguet Skeleton Dress Watch 4257/002BA
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAudemars Piguet“Audemars Piguet”
Reference4257/002BA“4257/002BA”
Case Material18k yellow gold“18k yellow gold”
Movement Material14k gold“executed in 14k gold”
Case Diameter30 mm“30 mm case”
ProvenanceSold in Hong Kong in 1987“confirming a sale in Hong Kong in 1987”
Serial NumberC60xx“Case no. C60xx”

Visible details

  • Case features a rope-pattern or gadrooned bezel design.
  • Movement contains 17 jewels and is adjusted to five positions, heat, cold, and isochronism.
  • Strap attachments consist of Vendôme-style lugs.
  • Movement is signed '14KT' and carries serial number 'CR505'.

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is stated as C60xx; the 'xx' suggests a partial or redacted identifier.
  • The exact extent of individual component hand-finishing versus automated preparation for engraving is not documented.

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

Consulted source

Audemars Piguet 4257/002BA Skeleton Dress Watch in 18k Yellow Gold with Box and Original Guarantee Booklet

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 72c94fd096

Terms in this record

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