Audemars Piguet Chronograph Openworked 5556BA 18K Yellow Gold

Condition	Year	Box	Papers
Like New (9/10)	1985	No	Archives

Opening Context
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Audemars Piguet was among the few manufactures preserving and advancing the traditional art of skeletonisation. Rather than treating openworking as decorative alone, the maison developed movements that showcased exceptional hand-finishing and engraving while remaining mechanically expressive. The reference 5556BA belongs to this important period, representing an era when Audemars Piguet quietly demonstrated its mastery of both haute horlogerie and artisanal craftsmanship.

Why This Reference Matters
Reference 5556BA combines a manually wound chronograph with an intricately hand-engraved openworked movement, allowing every functional component to become part of the dial itself. The richly engraved bridges, classical chronograph architecture and integrated yellow gold woven bracelet create a distinctive aesthetic that differs markedly from the Royal Oak and Jules Audemars collections. Rather than hiding the movement beneath a dial, this reference celebrates traditional movement construction as the defining visual element of the watch.

On the Wrist
Despite its precious metal construction, the 37 mm case wears with remarkable elegance. The finely woven integrated bracelet drapes naturally around the wrist, giving the watch an almost jewellery-like fluidity while retaining the reassuring weight of solid gold. The skeletonised display rewards close inspection, revealing new details as the light catches the engraved bridges and rotating chronograph components, making the experience of wearing it as engaging as reading the time.

Condition & Transparency
This example features an 18K yellow gold case with a skeletonised chronograph display showcasing the hand-engraved openworked movement from both the front and rear. It is fitted to its integrated 18K yellow gold woven bracelet with the original Audemars Piguet engraved folding clasp, matching the configuration shown in the accompanying images. As always, particular attention should be given to case condition, dial preservation, movement performance, strap/bracelet condition, and overall set completeness—communicated strictly on verified information.

Why It Belongs in a Collection
The Chronograph Openworked 5556BA will appeal to collectors who appreciate traditional hand-finishing as much as mechanical complexity. It represents a period when Audemars Piguet explored highly artisanal watchmaking outside its best-known collections, making it a thoughtful addition to a collection focused on craftsmanship, classical chronographs and historically significant openworked movements.

Closing
The reference 5556BA reflects Audemars Piguet's longstanding commitment to traditional watchmaking at its highest level. Elegant, mechanically expressive and meticulously crafted, it remains a compelling example of skeletonised haute horlogerie from one of Switzerland's great manufactures.

Specifications

• Case Size: 37 mm
  
• Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold
  
• Dial: Skeletonised Dial with Two-Register Chronograph and Hand-Engraved Openworked Movement
  
• Bracelet: Integrated 18K Yellow Gold Woven Bracelet with Engraved Folding Clasp
  
• Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  
• Movement: Calibre 5030

Shipments are delivered under Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) terms, with duties and taxes payable by the recipient.