{"product_id":"audemars-piguet-sultan-oman-skeleton-white-gold-diamond-watch","title":"Audemars Piguet Skeleton 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Sultan of Oman Khanjar Vintage Watch","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCollector Introduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew chapters in twentieth-century watch collecting carry the peculiar magnetism of the watches commissioned for the Sultanate of Oman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the apparent simplicity of a small royal emblem lies an extraordinary intersection of horology, diplomacy and patronage. During the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, specially commissioned watches from the great Swiss manufactures were presented to officials, dignitaries and favored recipients, many distinguished by the national Khanjar emblem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional Audemars Piguet belongs to that rarefied tradition according to its Japanese source provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts 18K white-gold case measures approximately 33mm and surrounds one of the manufacture's most captivating forms of watchmaking: a completely openworked automatic movement, its bridges and plates transformed into an intricate golden lattice through which the mechanical train remains constantly visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exterior restraint of white gold and a diamond-set bezel gives way, inside, to an extraordinary miniature architecture of engraved gold, ruby jewels, gears and blackened hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost unusual of all is the Khanjar emblem associated with the Sultanate of Oman, positioned upon the crystal rather than occupying a conventional dial.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a watch whose identity seems almost suspended above its mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eDescription\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage Audemars Piguet automatic skeleton wristwatch executed in 18K white gold with diamond-set bezel and sapphire crystal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe approximately 33mm case contains an extensively hand-finished openworked movement characteristic of Audemars Piguet's celebrated ultra-thin skeleton watches of the late twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGolden skeletonized bridges expose virtually the entire mechanical architecture while contrasting black hands preserve legibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA brilliant-cut diamond bezel surrounds the movement and extends subtly along the upper surfaces of the lugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example was specially produced for the Sultanate of Oman and is distinguished by the royal Khanjar \/ crossed-swords emblem positioned on the crystal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is presented on a black leather strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Audemars Piguet\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCollection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage Skeleton \/ Openworked\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sultanate of Oman special commission, per source\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18K white gold\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 33mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Diamond-set\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Automatic mechanical skeleton\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hours and minutes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black leather\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage pre-owned, source rank AB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudemars Piguet began developing its pioneering ultra-thin openworked automatic watches during the early 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manufacture's skeletonization was not industrial decoration applied to an otherwise ordinary movement. Bridges and plates were painstakingly pierced, engraved and finished until only the structural minimum remained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting movements transformed mechanical engineering into negative space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurviving Omani commissions reveal another dimension of this period. Audemars Piguet produced special watches associated with Sultan Qaboos, including skeletonized watches carrying the Khanjar emblem and watches supplied through London's prestigious Asprey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is particularly unusual because the emblem is associated with its sapphire crystal rather than the more familiar placement on a dial or automatic rotor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCONDITION REPORT\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage pre-owned condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe source assigns the watch an \u003cstrong\u003eAB condition grade\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographs show expected signs of age and previous handling consistent with a vintage luxury wristwatch. The white-gold case, diamond-set bezel, skeletonized movement, crystal, crown, and strap should all be reviewed carefully through the supplied photographs as part of the overall condition assessment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe watch is offered as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any vintage mechanical watch, future servicing, timing adjustment, or maintenance may eventually be required depending on use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographs form an important part of the description and should be reviewed closely before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this watch from a conventional vintage Audemars Piguet skeleton is the convergence of several highly collectible characteristics within a single object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst is the skeletonized mechanical architecture itself. Openworking transforms the watch from a simple time display into a miniature mechanical sculpture, exposing the movement and allowing the wearer to observe the interaction of gears, bridges, wheels, and jewels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond is the precious-metal execution. The 18K white-gold case gives the watch a restrained appearance that contrasts beautifully with the warmer tones of the movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThird is the diamond-set bezel, adding the character of a high-jewelry wristwatch without obscuring the mechanical centerpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, the source attributes the piece to a special Sultan of Oman commission and identifies the Khanjar emblem on the crystal as its distinguishing feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatches connected with special Middle Eastern commissions occupy a particularly fascinating niche within vintage Swiss watch collecting because they combine horology with cultural and diplomatic history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unusual placement of the emblem above the openworked movement gives this example an immediately recognizable identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eBRAND HERITAGE\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in Le Brassus in 1875, Audemars Piguet developed a reputation for highly complicated and finely finished mechanical watches long before the creation of the Royal Oak made the manufacture a global design icon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpenworked watchmaking has long formed an important part of that tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkeletonization requires large portions of a movement’s plates and bridges to be carefully removed while preserving the structural integrity required for accurate operation. The remaining components are then finished and decorated so that the mechanism itself becomes visible architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage Audemars Piguet skeleton watches are particularly admired because of the delicacy of their movements and the extraordinary amount of hand-finishing visible through the dial side of the watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example extends that tradition into the world of precious metals, diamonds, and special royal-commission collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePRIVATE COLLECTOR INQUIRIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJaponista works with collectors worldwide to source exceptional watches, jewelry, art objects, and rare pieces available through Japan’s specialist dealer and collector networks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are searching for a particular Audemars Piguet reference, vintage skeleton watch, rare Royal Oak, high-jewelry watch, or another difficult-to-source piece from Japan, we welcome private sourcing inquiries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Japonista Concierge and Collector Services can assist with sourcing, seller coordination, inspection arrangements, consolidation, and international logistics from Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContact Japonista for availability, acquisition assistance, or a private sourcing request.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Vintage, Antiques and Art Collector \/ Curator \/ Personal Shopper From Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53745195942181,"sku":null,"price":89650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0758\/8829\/6229\/files\/AudemarsPiguetSkeleton18KWhiteGoldDiamondBezelSultanofOmanKhanjarVintageWatch_1.jpg?v=1788535383","url":"https:\/\/japonista.com\/products\/audemars-piguet-sultan-oman-skeleton-white-gold-diamond-watch","provider":"Japonista","version":"1.0","type":"link"}