Cover The Audemars Piguet 'Grosse Pièce' No.16869 piece displayed during a press preview at Sotheby's on December 05, 2025 in New York City (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
The Audemars Piguet 'Grosse Pièce' No.16869 piece displayed during a press preview at Sotheby's on December 05, 2025 in New York City (Photo: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
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The Grosse Pièce, created for S. Smith & Son in 1921, features a comprehensive set of astronomical complications
One of the most important watches of the 20th century in private collections, the S. Smith & Son Astronomical Watch or better known as Grosse Pièce, is now back in the hands of its creator, Audemars Piguet. The yellow gold timepiece was auctioned at Sotheby‘s in New York on December 8, as part of the Olmsted Complications Collection. Though unknown during the auction, it turned out that Audemars Piguet made the winning bid of US$7,736,000.
The watch was originally sold to S. Smith & Son in 1921. For years, it was in the private collection of Robert M. Olmsted. Its return to Le Brassus underscores Audemars Piguet’s commitment to safeguarding its horological heritage and showcasing its watchmaking expertise as it celebrates its 150th anniversary this year.
Read more: Audemars Piguet’s Ilaria Resta on the brand’s 150-Year legacy
Above Front view of the Grosse Pièce’ with white enamel dial
Front view of the Grosse Pièce’ with white enamel dial
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The Grosse Pièce features 19 complications, including a range of astronomical indications such as the perpetual calendar, moon phases, equation of time, sidereal time, as well as a sky chart depicting the night sky over London with 315 stars. In addition, it includes a minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie, a chronograph, and a tourbillon. The Grosse Pièce ties with the Universelle of 1899 as the most complicated Audemars Piguet pocket watch ever.
See also: Audemars Piguet burnishes its portfolio of chronographs with the RD#5
Above Back view of the Grosse Pièce with a celestial chart
Back view of the Grosse Pièce with a celestial chart
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
