Audemars Piguet Disco Volante 14988OR
Paying tribute to a dress watch from the 1950s, the 14988OR Disco Volante was introduced in 1996 as a limited edition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ultra-thin Cal. 2003.
This is the Audemars Piguet Disco Volante reference 14988OR. Founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward August Piguet in Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet has overseen the introduction of some of the most important wristwatches in the history of horology, including the first minute-repeating wristwatch, the Grand Complication pocket watch and once held the record for the world’s thinnest automatic movement. Now famed for its Royal Oak, the brand remains among the most important and sought-after names in watch collecting.
The roots of the 14988OR dates back to 1946, when Audemars Piguet introduced the Cal. 2003 manual winding movement. Significant for being the thinnest calibre during its time, the movement remained in production for an impressive six decades thereafter and was also used as the base for the brand’s famous Cal. 2120. Responsible for what is likely the most recognizable Disco Volante reference of all, the reference 5093, the 14988OR was introduced 50 years later to celebrate the anniversary of the movement as a limited edition of 50 pieces.
With its oversized textured bezel and ultra-thin proportions enabled by the slimness of the movement, the design gave rise to the Disco Volante nickname, which means flying saucer in Italian. With its 35mm case size that was considered large for its time, the Disco Volante is also known for its lack of traditional lugs with the strap fitted between the case and a screw-down backcase to ensure near-perfect symmetry. In this sense, the case encapsulates the watch. A charming design inspired by the Art Deco period, the Disco Volante is an early representation of Audemars Piguet with a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.
This Audemars Piguet 14988OR is in excellent pre-owned condition with very light signs of wear on the bezel and the case. There are some faint hairlines on the caseback from prior wear while the engravings remain deep and legible. The dial is clean and the bezel remains sharp and in excellent condition. The watch comes with its original double Audemars Piguet boxes but with no original papers and is in full working order.
Brand Audemars Piguet
Model Disco Volante
Reference 14988OR
Case 35mm
Movement Manual Wind
Case material Rose Gold
Bracelet material Leather
Year 1996
Condition Like New
Accessories Original Box
Limited Yes. 50 pieces