AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MAuctionsDec 18, 2025
Audemars Piguet Reclaims Historic Pocket Watch at Auction
It purchased the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the ‘20s, for a record-breaking price at Sotheby’s.
Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, the “Grosse Pièce” is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever created by Audemars Piguet, the company said.
Le Brassus, Switzerland—Audemars Piguet announced it has acquired the “Grosse Pièce,” an ultra-complicated pocket watch the company created more than a century ago.
The timepiece, which spent decades out of the public eye, shattered records last week when Audemars Piguet purchased it for $7.7 million at Sotheby’s Important Watches auction, paying seven times the highest pre-sale estimate.
Completed in the early 1920s, it is the only ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet watch made in the 20th century, the company said.
It 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, it ties with the watchmaker’s “Universelle” model, created in 1899, as the most complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch ever made.
Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, the Grosse Pièce is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever created by Audemars Piguet, the company said.
It’s also among the earliest to feature a sky chart, depicting the night sky over London with 315 stars, alongside sidereal time, a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and the equation of time.
True to its name (“Large Piece”), the pocket watch measures about 80 mm in diameter.
Related stories will be right here …
The timepiece, which spent decades out of the public eye, shattered records last week when Audemars Piguet purchased it for $7.7 million at Sotheby’s Important Watches auction, paying seven times the highest pre-sale estimate.
Completed in the early 1920s, it is the only ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet watch made in the 20th century, the company said.
It 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, it ties with the watchmaker’s “Universelle” model, created in 1899, as the most complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch ever made.
Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, the Grosse Pièce is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever created by Audemars Piguet, the company said.
It’s also among the earliest to feature a sky chart, depicting the night sky over London with 315 stars, alongside sidereal time, a perpetual calendar, moon phases, and the equation of time.
True to its name (“Large Piece”), the pocket watch measures about 80 mm in diameter.
According to a history of the pocket watch provided by Sotheby’s, the genesis of the Grosse Pièce dates to 1914.
London-based watchmaking firm S. Smith & Son contacted Audemars Piguet’s London agents with a request for a special watch with celestial complications for one of its most important clients.
The pocket watch took several years to make and required the expertise of several well-known watchmakers outside of Audemars Piguet.
After being shown at the Geneva Watch Exhibition in 1920 and then delivered to the firm in 1921, the Grosse Pièce vanished from public view for decades.
In 1990, Gisbert Brunner, a horological historian, was informed of its whereabouts while doing research for an article in The Horological Journal.
He later connected with its owner, American collector Robert Olmsted, who allowed Brunner to photograph the piece for inclusion in the book he co-authored in 1993, “Audemars Piguet.”
A handwritten receipt shows that Olmsted bought the Grosse Pièce from Sydney (Sid) Rosenberg for $23,350 in March 1970.
It was a standout at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale on Dec. 8, which featured “The Olmsted Complications Collection,” an offering of the late collector’s timepieces.
“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,” said Sebastian Vivas, director of heritage and museum at Audemars Piguet.
“We are delighted to welcome this important timepiece into the AP Heritage where it will be preserved, studied, and shared for generations to come.”
The company’s acquisition of the timepiece at Sotheby’s underscores its commitment to “safeguarding horological heritage and showcasing exceptional savoir-faire,” Audemars Piguet said.
The Grosse Pièce will embark on a multi-year world tour, appearing at select AP Houses—the brand’s exclusive, immersive retail spaces—and special events before being exhibited at the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus, Switzerland.
More on Auctions
The Latest
CollectionsNov 13, 2026
Maison Marcelle’s Bracelet Flows Like FabricThe “Équation” bracelet, our Piece of the Week, was built via 24 gold modules assembled into a piece that feels like fabric on the wrist.
IndependentsNov 13, 2026
Texas Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsAlter’s Gem Jewelry in Beaumont, Texas, is closing as Brian and Lori Alter retire to spend more time with family.
Events & AwardsNov 13, 2026
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Unveil Second Jewelry Designer Award Finalists Five finalists have been chosen for the Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award’s second cycle.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
