Hidden for Over 90 Years, Christie’s Unearths an Ultra-Rare 1930 Audemars Piguet Chronograph

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Summary

  • Christie’s Geneva will offer a highly significant circa 1930 Audemars Piguet “Coussin Tortue” single-button chronograph (No. 41,849) at its upcoming Rare Watches auction on May 11, 2026
  • The 27.5mm platinum-cased timepiece is one of the first chronograph wristwatches ever produced by the Swiss manufacture and has remained in the family of its original owner since its purchase in 1943
  • Offered for the very first time at auction, the historic watch carries an estimated value of CHF 200,000 to CHF 400,000 (approx. $260,000 – $510,000 USD)

A significant piece of watchmaking history is coming up for auction. Christie’s Geneva will be selling a very rare Audemars Piguet chronograph, known as the “Coussin Tortue” (Model No. 41,849), dating back to around 1930. Considered one of the earliest and most unusual chronograph wristwatches created by the famous Swiss brand, this watch has been with the original owner’s family for over 90 years and is appearing at auction for the first time. The auction will take place on May 11th at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.

This watch marks the beginning of Audemars Piguet’s journey into making complicated wristwatches. In 1930, they created a small series of just six movements for their first chronograph watches. The “Coussin Tortue” being offered is one of only three watches known to have been finished from that original batch—the first was made of white gold, and the next two, like this one, were crafted from platinum. Originally delivered to the retailer Veuve Louis Goering in 1937, this platinum watch was ultimately purchased in 1943.

This watch has a sleek, Art Deco design. Its striking cushion-shaped case is made of brushed platinum by the famous Wenger workshop and beautifully showcases a two-tone grey and white gold dial. Like classic chronographs from that period, it uses a single button – the winding crown – to start, stop, and reset the timer.

Before being offered for sale, the watch was returned to the Audemars Piguet workshop in the Vallée de Joux for a careful and thorough restoration. The brand’s skilled watchmakers understood the watch’s historical importance and expertly brought the 27.5mm timepiece back to life, preserving its original 1930s style and appeal.

Vintage Audemars Piguet chronographs are highly sought after by collectors, mainly because so few were ever made. The company only produced a total of 307 chronograph wristwatches between 1930 and 1980. The “Coussin Tortue,” being one of the very first of these, is predicted to attract strong interest at auction, and is estimated to sell for between CHF 200,000 and CHF 400,000.

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2026-05-03 05:56