Why This Watch Matters

An octagonal-shaped case and integrated bracelet watch from Audemars Piguet? In stainless steel? Sign us up.

The Full Story

When it comes to dress watches, vintage Audemars Piguet watches are some of our favorites. From simple time-only watches to complicated pieces, they've always been conscious about the wearers' comfort, and not just about artistry and design.

Dress watches with a fixed integrated bracelet (unlike the integrated design found on certain popular sports watches) have been flying under the radar due to a general preference for the flexibility of detachable bracelets. However, when an integrated bracelet is constructed to the highest quality, the seamless transition from the case to the bracelet is sublime and the tactile experience is incomparable.

Making this "AP Steel" notably special is just that, the case and bracelet material. We have sold a few Audemars Piguet integrated dress watches similar to the one we have here but most other examples are found in white or yellow gold. This one, in stainless steel and with an octagonal shape, calls to Genta's famous design more than just about anything in the AP vintage catalog not under the Royal Oak banner.

The Fine Print

Maker: Audemars Piguet
Model: AP Steel
Reference: 4010
Year: Circa 1974
Case No: B109 / 20 
Movement No: 156607
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 5.5mm thickness 
Crystal: Mineral glass
Lume: No
Caliber: Audemars Piguet, self-winding, caliber K2120
Bracelet/Strap: Audemars Piguet, stainless steel, integrated milanese mesh bracelet (Approximate max wrist size 6.75in / 171mm)
Lug Width: N/A
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Deep black dial
- Octagonal case shape
- Integrated steel bracelet
- Rare model 

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case and bracelet
- Small max wrist size on bracelet

This Audemars Piguet is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case and bracelet have some light scratches.  The "AP Steel" on the caseback is clearly visible. There's some patina on the caseback. The case is remarkably crisp in general.

The dial is clean with a very light patina to the matte finish throughout. The dial has a little wear around the edge. The hands have developed a light patina.

The integrated bracelet is in excellent condition, it sits flush on the wrist. While other examples with bracelets like this one show some kinks, this one is remarkably smooth throughout. The bracelet is signed "AP" on the clasp. The crown is unsigned as seen on other similar examples. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.