Audemars Piguet: Spot the Flaw Discussion

djobbe2 · 2022-11-17T16:43:49Z

Explore a unique Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars from 1997 with a rare dial anomaly. Is it a mistake or a special edition for the Chinese market? Collectors debate its value.

Forum member djobbe2 presents a fascinating Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars from 1997, inviting the community to identify a curious dial anomaly. This thread explores the potential origins and implications of such a manufacturing peculiarity, prompting a discussion on whether a 'mistake' can enhance or diminish a watch's value and historical significance. djobbe2's post sparks a deeper look into the meticulous world of luxury watch production and collector perceptions.

This Audemars Piguet - Jules Audemars from 1997 has a curious mistake on dial....check all the numbers and find it....

I still don't know if this mistake can give it value as unique watch or on this model is only a fault. What do you think ?

Opinions are very appreciated, thank you

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'mistake' on the dial is the numeral '4' being replaced with an '8', resulting in two '8's on the dial (at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock).
This specific dial configuration, replacing '4' with '8', is often associated with special editions for the Chinese market, where '8' is considered a lucky number and '4' is unlucky due to its pronunciation similarity to 'death'.
The original author confirmed the watch was bought new in 1997, and the dial anomaly was noticed immediately by the official seller, yet the decision was made to keep it as is.
There is skepticism among some members that such a watch could have left the Audemars Piguet factory with this 'mistake' unless it was an intentional design choice or a specific market edition.
A contributor suggests that presenting it as a 'piece unique for the Chinese market' could be a way to frame its unusual characteristic.
The question remains whether Audemars Piguet would acknowledge this as a manufacturing error or a special variant, and what their reaction would be if the watch were sent to Les Brassus for assessment.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Nov 17, 2022

Did you buy it new? I wonder the story. Obviously a reatialer would have noticed right away, I'm sure would have tried to send back. Has it been for service? I wonder what ap would do in that situation.

djobbe2

Nov 17, 2022

it was bough new in 1997, the error was noticed immediately with official seller but were decided to keep it as it was. To have AP reaction should go go directly to Les Brassus

mdg

Nov 17, 2022

Btw, a beautiful and classic design. Please make more of these!!

Thomas_3

Nov 17, 2022

but don't see the mistake.

loujo

Nov 17, 2022

Just tell people it was a piece unique for the Chinese market

djobbe2

Nov 17, 2022

Check dial numbers ..

Key Points from the Discussion

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