Rare
1980s Audemars Piguet Tonneau watch
18ct white gold
cal. 2003/1 movement
 
In excellent, original condition, this is one of Bold Timepieces favourite watches offered to the market. All we can say is, try to find this exact reference again. Blink and you will miss it.
 
A mid 1980’s Audemars Piguet Tonneau watch, in 18ct white gold, with super thin cal. 2003/1 movement. The watch comes with its original hang tag, maintains the original red plastic covering on the case back, and has its original strap and buckle, with the strap in un-worn condition.
 
The dial can be described as an Ashy Blue in tone, with a rich colour aiding the appeal of the matte finish. Combining this with the simplistic sword hands in silver, the silver AP logo at 12 and the signature Audemars Piguet Genève at 6, this watch oozes perfectly executed minimalism and class. The ultra slim case is 5mm thick and sits on the wrist with ease. This holds the edge of the dial seamlessly, blending into the silver colour of the Rhodium plated white gold case. This ties in the light tones signing the dial. In keeping with this feat of design and luxury, the ultra-thin cal 2003/1 movement sits inside the case, enabling the razor-sharp profile and dependable time keeping. You almost wish there were an exhibition back to remind you of the movement’s beauty, however this is part of the understated luxury with the movement hidden from prying eyes behind the immaculately well-kept case back.
This watch is the ultimate minimalistic dress watch, ideal at the restaurant on an evening with a nicely tailored suit. It is equally at home on a gents or a ladies wrist at 25mm x 28mm in diameter, placing it on the smaller side for gents wear.
 
The watch possesses 3 minor flaws, in its otherwise untouched condition. Firstly, the glass has a small scratch directly in the centre, visible in certain lights, measuring roughly 1.5mm in length, across the axis on 9 o clock to 3 o clock. 
 
On the left-hand side of the watch, there is a small, deeper than surface, scratch in the case. This measures 0.4mm in length.
 
Finally, on the case back, above the serial number at 12 o clock, there are some deeper scratches at the lip of the case, measuring 2.5mm in length. These would have come from someone poorly opening the watch at the wrong end.
 
These are all VERY minor details on a watch that is overall, in excellent condition for its age, but these are noteworthy for the absolute perfectionist seeking NOS condition.
 
Dial:
The dial is in excellent, original condition.
The dial can be described as an Ashy Blue in tone, with a rich colour aiding the appeal of the matte finish. Combining this with the simplistic sword hands in silver, the silver AP logo at 12 and the signature Audemars Piguet Genève at 6.
 
 
Hands:
Perfect condition. The hands are un-bent and un-corroded. They are silver in colour and original.
 
 
Glass:
The glass is original and near perfect condition. There is one mark.
Note: The glass has a small scratch directly in the centre, visible in certain lights, measuring roughly 1.5mm in length, across the axis on 9 o clock to 3 o clock. 
 
Crown:
The crown is original, in good condition, with some surface scratches.
It sits flush to the case and disappears against the side of the watch.
 
Case:
The case is in excellent condition with only light surface scratches that are consistent with age.
Note: On the left-hand side of the watch, there is a small, deeper than surface, scratch in the case. This measures 0.4mm in length.
 
 
Case back:
Strong condition with multiple light surface scratches.
Note: On the case back, above the serial number at 12 o clock, there are some deeper scratches at the lip of the case, measuring 2.5mm in length. These would have come from someone poorly opening the watch at the wrong end.
 
Strap:
The watches strap is original, in unworn condition, with no signs of creasing.
Signed Audemars Piguet, Swiss made, with the original buckle.
 
Movement:
Keeping time to within +10 seconds a day with an amplitude of 260 degrees.
 
The movement is a manual wind Audemars Piguet Cal. 2003/1.This was used in Audemars Piguet watches from 1953-2002, a testament to its thin dimensions and ability to create many slim profile watch designs.
 
In 1953 when Audemars Piguet introduced calibre 2003. This calibre was developed together with Jaeger-LeCoultre with involvement of Vacheron Constantin. Based on the cal. 9ML, calibre 2003 shares the main characteristics such as height and diameter, but the number of bridges were reduced. The main goal for this was to make the movement sturdier.
 
 
Watch Dimensions:
Case width: 25mm
Case width with crown: 25.8mm
Case length: 28mm
End of lug to end of lug: 33mm
Case Depth: 5mm
Lug width: 17mm
 
The dial:
Dial width: 21mm
Dial length: 25mm
 
The strap:
At 6:
Strap 17.6mm closest to watch
Strap 12.25mm at end 
14.2mm at buckle end
Buckle: 16.4mm
Will fit up to an 8inch wrist. 
One hole left on a 7inch wrist.
 
Hang tag: 
35mm width
16.8mm height
Depth: 3.5mm
Rope 95mm long