A Look at the ‘Grosse Pièce’ – Audemars Piguet’s Most Complicated Pocket Watch Still in Private Hands, Up for Auction at Sotheby’s
The upcoming auction at Sotheby’s features the Grosse Pièce, Audemars Piguet’s most complicated pocket watch still in private hands. This exceptional timepiece, which boasts 19 complications including a tourbillon and a celestial sky chart, was commissioned by S. Smith & Sons in 1914 and took seven years to complete. Its design reflects the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship, with contributions from renowned watchmakers of the era. The watch is estimated to sell for between $500,000 and $1,000,000, highlighting its historical significance and technical marvel. The Grosse Pièce was a part of Robert Olmsted’s distinguished collection, which has brought to light several previously unknown Patek Philippe watches. The watch's intricate features include a perpetual calendar, chronograph functions, and a chiming mechanism, making it a masterpiece of engineering. After its creation, the Grosse Pièce disappeared from public view until it was rediscovered in the 1990s, and now it stands as a testament to the artistry of early 20th-century watchmaking. As it goes under the hammer on December 8, it promises to be a highlight for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
