The gorgeous and very rare Audemars Piguet wristwatch featured in today's offering is an exceptional ladies watch and showcases why special masterpieces from this elite maker are sought-after by women of distinction, Hollywood actresses, and any lady desiring to wear a true world-class timepiece.

It was made circa the early 1920's at a time when AP was producing far fewer ladies watches than they do today - watches this early are very seldom seen.

Made for the very prestigious jeweler Betteridge, it bears the retailer's name on the dial. In the 1920's, one of the finest and most high-end jewelers in the United States was Betteridge. The company traces their beginnings in the jewelry industry all the back to the 18th century in Birmingham, England. In the early twentieth century A.E. Betteridge opened up stores on Fifth Avenue and on Wall St. in New York City, and a boutique in the Miami Biltmore. As recently as 2021 they had boutiques in Greenwich, Connecticut; Palm Beach, Florida; and in Aspen and Vail, Colorado.

As a prestigious jeweler, Betteridge produced some of the most impressive Art Deco designs of the period century—many of which still turn up in the most extraordinary collections today.

One of the company's select offerings was a line of watches emblazoned with the Betteridge name on the dial. Although the maker's name were hidden, the retailer contracted with the world's finest watch firms, like Audemars Piguet to produce these treasured timepieces.

We were fortunate to acquire this stunning statement piece from Audemar's Piguet for Betteridge.

Its original case was made for the U.S. market and possesses a beautiful level of artistic refinement. Bejeweled with approximately 1.50 carats diamonds with caliber cut sapphires set in platinum, it has a very pleasing symmetry. Featuring a geometric design, it has hinged lugs to fit the wrist well. Equipped with a very high-grade Audemars Piguet mechanism it unites inner and outer beauty.

Its movement is very finely crafted, on par in quality and craftsmanship with only the very top tier of watches by the likes of Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, and other Audemars Piguets. Like only the very highest grade watch movements, it was originally crafted and adjusted to run accurately across five positions and a wide range of temperatures.

Its absolutely gorgeous case, bejeweled with diamonds and sapphires, presents beautifully on the wrist. It has one small of restoration on the side that isn't easily noticeable unless scrutinized, and the back has a number of pin prick indentions that aren't visible while being worn.

Its dial has been restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America.

Two of our master watchmakers and jewelers worked for the last one year restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it which even included custom fabricating parts to the original factory functional quality and factory quality decorated finish (restoration value $1895).

Please kindly note that even an extremely well-serviced watch of this age will not quite keep the same time as a modern watch. But with our extensive craftsman's work on the movement, after testing it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn it is keeping time within approx. 30 seconds per day.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. Also accompanying the watch is a Certificate of Authenticity from eBay and their new professional watch authentication team.

Modern AP's don't come close to matching the charm, history, and rarity of this vintage original.

Audemars Piguet:
As one of the finest names in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet commitment to quality and technical superiority is legendary. Long known for their highly-complicated watches, Audemars Piguet stands alongside Patek Philippe as one of the premier watchmakers in the world.

Betteridge:
If you'd like to learn more about Betteridge, a true hidden retailing gem, we've put together links to these resources for you.

The Betteridge History - from their website.

WatchPRO - The Big Interview: Betteridge dynasty adapts to shifting demographics

Retailer Hall of Fame 2021: Terry Betteridge

Terry Betteridge descends from a long line of jewelers, but he’s put his own hallmark on the family business.

WatchPRO - Breaking News: Watches of Switzerland buys Betteridge, a Ben Bridge store and Timeless Luxury in Texas

• Manufacturer: Audemars Piguet
• Country of origin: Switzerland, presumably made for the U.S. market
• Year built: c. early 1920's
• Serial no. 29,607 C
• Case no.: inscribed on side of case: 896,480
• Functions: Hours and minutes
• Designed for: Women
• Case material: Platinum diamonds and sapphires
• Case condition: It presents beautifully on the wrist. It has one small of restoration on the side that isn't easily noticeable unless scrutinized, and the back has a number of pin prick indentions that aren't visible while being worn.
• Case markings (inside): Platine, 3964 80
• Dimensions: 15mm diameter (excluding crown) by 43mm long lug tip to tip
• Dial: Silver with black painted radial Arabic indices, outer minute track, signed Betteridge, restored by one of the leading dial experts in North America
• Hands: Original, blue steel "modernes"
• Movement type: Extremely high grade, signed Audemars Piguet, rhodium-plated, "fausses-cttes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted for heat, cold, and 5 positions for greater accuracy, perhaps for isochronism as well
• Movement markings:  Audemars Piguet, 7 Adjustments, Swiss, Eighteen Jewels
• Band: Made for the U.S. market, original or vintage, 14K white gold, safety clasp and chain, fits a wrist up to approx. slightly over 6.3 inches, excellent condition with fairly light wear. Note: The length can be adjusted by a jeweler
• Crystal type: Mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: Two of our master watchmakers and jewelers worked for the last one year restoring the movement of this special watch to breathe new life into it which even included custom fabricating parts to the original factory functional quality and factory quality decorated finish (restoration value $1895). Please kindly note that even an extremely well-serviced watch of this age will not quite keep the same time as a modern watch. But with our extensive craftsman's work on the movement, after testing it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn it is keeping time within approx. 30 seconds per day.
• Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Please kindly note that even an extremely well-serviced watch of this age will not quite keep the same time as a modern watch. But with our extensive craftsman's work on the movement, after also testing it on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn it is keeping time within approx. 30 seconds per day. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers who specialize in vintage pieces, all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Also accompanying the watch is a Certificate of Authenticty from eBay and their new professional watch authentication team.
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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