Front view of Audemars Piguet’s “The Grosse Piece”.
Swiss haute horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet welcomes home a remarkable piece of its history, with the acquisition of the S. Smith & Son Astronomical Watch, known as the “Grosse Pièce”.
Commissioned in 1914 and completed in 1921, this extraordinary ultra-complicated pocket watch lived much of its life away from the public eye, quietly embodying the pinnacle of early 20th-century watchmaking.
Its return to Le Brassus during the Maison’s 150th anniversary is a meaningful homecoming – one that reflects Audemars Piguet’s enduring passion for craftsmanship, heritage and the art of graceful time.
The timepiece was acquired at Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in New York on Dec 8, as part of the landmark Olmsted Complications Collection.
Back view of “The Grosse Piece”.
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the “Grosse Pièce” (large piece) is the most comprehensive astronomical timepiece ever created by Audemars Piguet and among the earliest to feature a sky chart.
It depicts the night sky over London with 315 stars, alongside sidereal time, a perpetual calendar, moon phases and the equation of time.
The only ultra-complicated Audemars Piguet watch of the 20th century, it also 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, the “Grosse Pièce” ties with the legendary “Universelle” of 1899 as the most complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch ever created.
Much like the “Universelle,” it tells the story of the Vallée de Joux’s établissage system – a collaborative approach that brought master artisans together to produce some of the most intricate watches of the early 20th century.
The Constellation face.
After its delivery to S. Smith & Son in 1921, the “Grosse Pièce” vanished from public view for decades, known only through archival notes and rare photographs.
A document dated January 1915 revealed studies of sidereal time, zodiac signs, solstices and the state of the Northern Hemisphere sky – offering a glimpse into the pioneering spirit and craftsmanship that shaped the golden age of watchmaking.
For years, the watch remained within the prestigious Olmsted collection, only to be admired by a select few under the strictest discretion.
Audemars Piguet’s acquisition of this revered timepiece at the auction underscores the brand’s commitment to safeguard horological heritage, showcasing exceptional savoir-faire.
Close-up view of the specialised dial that displays sidereal time.
The “Grosse Pièce” will embark on a multi-year world tour, appearing at select AP Houses and special events before being exhibited at the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus.
“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.
“We are delighted to welcome this important timepiece into the AP Heritage Collection, where it will be preserved, studied and shared for generations to come,” said Audemars Piguet Heritage and Museum director Sebastian Vivas.
Front view of Audemars Piguet’s “The Grosse Piece”.
Front view of Audemars Piguet’s “The Grosse Piece”.
Back view of “The Grosse Piece”.
A peek inside at the mechanism.
Close-up view of the specialised dial that displays sidereal time.
The Constellation face.
The time and chiming mechanism.
