Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced lever Circa 1970

Gold watch with enamel scene by Ni. Gi. Barna
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A very fine and unique, thin and elegant Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced pocket watch made by Audemars Piguet in Geneva, circa 1970. The movement with a lever escapement and 20 jewels. Gilt dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track with Arabic five minute numerals and blued kite hands. The case back with a polychrome enamel nautical scene, Bateau, signed by Ni. Gi. Barna. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Signed: Audemars Piguet Swiss
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This piece is one of the very few pieces known to have been produced by Audemars Piguet with an enamel scene by Ni. Gi. Barna. Only as few as five pieces were made, three of which feature maritime subjects. It is clear from other works by the same artist that Barna was very proficient at enamelling, arguably one of the hardest skills to master.