Audemars Piguet [Re]master01 Chronograph: Ref. 1533 in Modern Garb

The launch of the CODE 11.59 collection in January 2019 was considered Audemars Piguet’s most important launch since the Royal Oak for the Baselworld 1972, but with the new master01 collection, the brand has now introduced an automatic chronograph that is no less exciting.

The 1940s and the Audemars Piguet 1533

Audemars Piguet Ref. 1533 — The original from the 1940s

The name already suggests it: AP made use of an older design for the master01. The reference 1533 was originally sold in a limited edition between 1943 and 1948, and is with its 36mm bicolor case a wonderful mirror of the era. At that time, the cal. 13VZA was still a Valjoux-based handwound caliber, but this is about to change now.

Technical Update

In contrast to its successor, the new Ref. 26595SR-OO-A032VE-01 has increased its case diameter to 40mm, which should suit most people. As already mentioned, it was also changed from a manual winding movement to an automatic movement, in this case named 4409. Behind it is a modern flyback chronograph, which jumps back at a single push of the upper button and begins measuring time again.

Looks

Visually, it remains true to the original: No matter whether the combination of 18k red gold and stainless steel, the dial layout, the tachymeter scale or the “teardrop” lugs, the two watches can hardly be distinguished from each other at first glance. Upon closer inspection, there are of course some minimal modifications by AP, but the updates to this new edition have been applied more to the inner mechanics at Le Brassus.

Audemars Piguet 26595SR-OO-A032VE-01 — Same old, same old? Not quite.

An interesting detail for connoisseurs: Although nowadays all watches are made by the Le Brassus factory, the dial is decorated with “Audemars Piguet & Co. Genève”. The reason is simple: Until the late 1970s, production was also carried out in Geneva for logistical reasons. In order to remain true to the original look, the lettering of the Ref. 1533 was simply removed and inserted in the new edition.

Price & Availability

Anyone who would like to own the new edition of a 1940 classic in a contemporary guise must shell out $ 53,100 (just under € 50,000) for the watch, which is limited to 500 pieces.