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
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
PodcastsFeb 18, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
