Rare Swiss 18K gold and enamel keyless lever watch Circa 1982

Gold watch with polychrome enamel scene
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A rare Swiss 18 carat gold and diamond set open faced keyless pocket watch featuring a polychrome enamel painted nautical scene made by Audemars Piguet in Geneva, circa 1982. This watch features a nickel movement with a lever escapement, 20 jewels and a monometallic compensation balance. The champagne coloured dial displays Roman hours, an outer minute track with Ataboc five minute numerals and blued steel moon hands, it bears the signature of Audemars Piguet. The case boasts a polychrome enamel scene on the back of ships in full sail, which is signed by Ni. Gi. Barna. The watch also has a diamond set border and a rope twist band.
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Diameter: 47 mm
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Signed: Audemars Piguet Swiss made
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The dial of the watch is in good condition and looks attractive, except for a fine scratch located between 12 and 1 o’clock and two tiny pinhead dings visible at 3 and 9 o’clock. The case has some scuffs and scratches, particularly around the rim of the case back, due to incorrect knife usage.
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The present watch is a wonderful example of the work of Ni. Gi. Barna, an artist that Audemars Piguet commissioned in the early 1980s to produce miniature enamel paintings to be fitted to a small group of watches. Barna’s work displayed the artist’s exceptional skill with enamel.
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According to research, only five Barna pieces are known: one featuring Bedouin horsemen, one with a fox hunt scene and three, including this example, exploring maritime themes.