The pocket watch was auctioned at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in New York on 8 December 2025, as part of the landmark Olmsted Complications Collection.
A Unique Pocket Watch of Extraordinary Complexity
Crafted in 18-carat yellow gold, the “Grosse Pièce” is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever created by Audemars Piguet and among the earliest to feature a sky chart. It depicts the night sky over London with 315 stars, alongside sidereal time, a perpetual calendar, moon phases and the equation of time. The only ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet watch of the 20th century, it also includes a minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie, chronograph, and the brand’s only tourbillon in a pocket watch of that era.
With 19 complications, the “Grosse Pièce” ties with the legendary “Universelle” of 1899 as the most complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch ever created. Like the “Universelle”, it is a living testament to the établissage system of the Vallée de Joux, which brought together specialised artisans to create some of the most complicated timepieces of the early 20th century.
Preserving Heritage for Generations to Come
After its delivery to S. Smith & Son in 1921, the “Grosse Pièce” vanished from public view for decades, known only through archival notes and rare photographs. A document dated January 1915 reveals studies of sidereal time, zodiac signs, solstices and the state of the Northern Hemisphere sky – offering a glimpse into the pioneering spirit and craftsmanship that shaped the golden age of watchmaking.
For years, the watch remained within the prestigious Olmsted collection, admired only by a select few under the strictest discretion. Audemars Piguet’s acquisition of this revered timepiece at auction underscores the brand’s commitment to safeguarding horological heritage and showcasing exceptional savoir-faire. The “Grosse Pièce” will embark on a multi-year world tour, appearing at select AP Houses and special events before being exhibited at the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus.
“The reappearance of the Grosse Pièce at Sotheby’s marks a historic moment for collectors and enthusiasts. That this should happen in our 150th anniversary year makes it all the more extraordinary. We are delighted to welcome this important timepiece into the AP Heritage Collection, where it will be preserved, studied and shared for generations to come.”
