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

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 true piece of horological history has been unearthed. This spring, Christie’s Geneva is preparing to auction an exceptionally rare, circa 1930 Audemars Piguet “Coussin Tortue” single-button chronograph (Model No. 41,849). Widely regarded as one of the very first and rarest chronograph wristwatches ever produced by the legendary Swiss brand, the timepiece is making its auction debut after spending more than 90 years in the possession of the original owner’s family. It will cross the block on May 11 at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.

The history of this watch represents the very genesis of Audemars Piguet’s complicated wristwatch production. In 1930, the brand began producing a small batch of just six movements intended for its first-ever chronograph wristwatches. The “Coussin Tortue” offered by Christie’s is one of only three watches known to have been completed from that initial batch (the first in white gold, and the subsequent two in platinum). Delivered to the retailer Veuve Louis Goering in 1937, this specific platinum example was finally purchased in 1943.

The watch features a beautifully minimalist Art-Deco aesthetic. The bold, brushed platinum cushion case—crafted by the renowned Genevan casemaker Wenger—perfectly frames a stunning two-tone grey and white solid gold dial. True to the “monopusher” style of the era, the start, stop, and return-to-zero functions of the LeCoultre chronograph movement are all operated by a single press of the winding crown.

Prior to consignment, the watch was sent back to its birthplace at the Audemars Piguet manufacture in the Vallée de Joux for a comprehensive and highly sympathetic restoration. Recognizing the immense historical value of the piece, the brand’s master watchmakers artfully revived the 27.5mm timepiece, ensuring it retains its original 1930s character and charm.

Vintage Audemars Piguet chronographs are among the most coveted timepieces in the world, largely due to their extreme scarcity. Between 1930 and 1980, the brand produced a total of just 307 chronograph wristwatches. Given its status as one of the absolute earliest examples of this lineage, the “Coussin Tortue” is expected to draw fierce bidding from global collectors when it goes up for auction, with an estimated final price between CHF 200,000 and CHF 400,000.