Audemars Piguet "Cobra"

There was a time when Audemars Piguet's creativity extended far beyond the Royal Oak.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Le Brassus manufacture produced a remarkable collection of jewelry watches that combined high watchmaking, precious metals, and bold design in ways that feel increasingly distinctive today. Among the most recognizable is the Cobra, a model whose fluid, integrated bracelet and sculptural profile perfectly capture the era's glamour and optimism.

Crafted entirely in 18K white gold, this Cobra is a study in texture, light, and form. The softly curved case flows seamlessly into a signed white gold bracelet, creating a unified design that wraps elegantly around the wrist. Like the finest integrated-bracelet watches of the period, the bracelet is not merely an accessory but an essential part of the watch's identity, lending the piece a remarkable sense of cohesion and comfort.

The true star of the show, however, is the dial. Executed in a dazzling 'pavé' pattern, its diamond-set surface radiates outward from the center in a striking tiny 'sunburst' motif that transforms with every wrist movement. The intricate geometry catches and reflects light from every angle, creating an effect that is both architectural and undeniably luxurious. Applied sapphire hour markers at three, six, and nine o'clock introduce subtle flashes of deep blue, providing a beautiful contrast against the brilliant white gold backdrop.

Powered by a reliable manually wound movement and fitted with its original signed white gold bracelet and foldover clasp, this Cobra exemplifies a period when Audemars Piguet approached watch design with extraordinary freedom. Equal parts jewelry, design object, and timepiece, it remains a compelling reminder that some of the manufacture's most fascinating creations exist well beyond the Royal Oak family tree.

Elegant, unconventional, and unmistakably Audemars Piguet, the Cobra is vintage luxury at its most expressive.

There are certain watches that define a brand, informing its design ethos and becoming nothing short of iconic in the minds of collectors. For Audemars Piguet, that watch is the Royal Oak, in all its multitudinous incarnations. Yet the manufacture from Le Brassus did not earn its seat in the triumvirate of leading watch brands — the so-called Big Three — on the success of the Royal Oak alone.

In fact, both Jules Audemars and Edward Piguet came from long lines of watchmakers, and made their reputations long before the Royal Oak was conceived. Their reputations rested on their ability to create incredibly elegant timepieces in numerous styles. While some of these timepieces were simple, elegant dress watches, others were one-off or short-series pieces produced at the rate of a handful per year. (Some years, Audemars Piguet only produced a few hundred watches in total.) Calendar watches, chronographs, minute repeaters — all the delights of haute horlogerie were part and parcel of the AP oeuvre long before the Royal Oak made its debut in 1972.

Technical innovations from AP abound and include the first minute-repeating movement, the first skeleton watch and an ultra-thin automatic tourbillon. Newer collections, such as the Code 11.59 from 2019, see the maison continue to develop new and exciting watches and calibers, the likes of which aren’t based upon tired horological tropes from models past. (Though if vintage reissues are your bag, AP does have a special “Remaster” line — currently consisting of just one model — that reimagines some of its classical, complicated pieces from the mid-20th century.)

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.