Name: Audemars Piguet Vzss (c. 1955)
Brand: VAT FREE
SKU: VW172
Price: 6950.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

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This is a super example of an Audemars Piguet dress watch featuring their legendary VZSS movement. This ebauche or base movement was used by a number of high end firms, both for chronograph or calendar watches and also for high precision time-only watches as is the case here. The base movement was made by the Valjoux and then finished to an extremely high standard by Audemars Piguet's watchmakers.

There is a great deal of hand polishing and refinement visible on the movement, one detail I especially like is that the teeth of the winding wheel has polished faces - this is the silver wheel just above the "Adjusted to temperature and four (4) positions". This would have relatively little, if any, discernible benefit to the winding of the watch, but clearly for the Swiss master craftsmen it was important that attention was paid to even this minor aspect of the movement.

Another area where the very high level of detailing is visible is on the pallet bridge, beneath the balance wheel - this bridge has been black polished to create a flawless mirrored surface; You can see the same finish on the components of the swan-neck regulator on the balance cock.

I include an image taken during servicing showing the dial side of the movement. Even on very high end watches the finishing on this side of the movement tends to be less refined, which makes sense as it's concealed under the dial - only the watchmaker servicing the movement will ever see this! Yet even here you can see the pride that they took in these movements: the bridges on the keyless work are all smartly grained, with the edges broken and polished. I'm not sure of the exact date of the watch, but I wonder if the '65' engraved next to the movement serial number is a date code for June (6) 1955 (5)

There is an excellent introduction to these movements and some details of the variations that exist here:
https://www.stetzcowatches.com/2018/12/28/origins-the-13-ligne-valjoux-vz-movement/

The watch comes with the original buckle and an original, signed Audemars Piguet strap. It also comes with an original Audemars Piguet box, a nice thing to have to complete the watch.

At this time Audemars Piguet's output was relatively small and they didn't really produce consistent models or references from year to year, more or less each watch was a one-off. This example is, I think, a really handsome and timeless piece - it has a beautiful silvered dial with applied gold markers in a classically proportioned 18 carat gold case. Fully serviced and regulated and ready for someone to wear and enjoy.

Case diameter: 34mm
Case material: 18 carat yellow gold
Strap width: 18mm
time keeping: superb!

Order processing

We aim to dispatch all orders within 2-3 working days.

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Shipping guide for watches

UK: FREE DPD shipping, 1-2 working days
United States & Canada: FREE DHL shipping, 1-3 working days
The EU: FREE DHL shipping, 2-4 working days. To order to The EU, please visit our Euro website here (duties and taxes are included in the price of your watch).

Click here to see the full shipping guide for watches

Shipping guide for t-shirts

Our t-shirts are printed by us and shipped from our workshop in London. This means if you place an order for both a watch and t-shirt(s), they will be shipped together via an express service. Delivery times for these can be found here.

If you order a t-shirt without a watch, it will be shipped via a Royal Mail tracked service which usually takes a little longer. You can see an estimated timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

Shipping guide for watch straps

If purchased separately from your watch, watch straps will be shipped with Royal Mail 1st Class / International tracked shipping.

This takes 2-14 working days depending on location. You can see a more accurate timescale when you input your address at the checkout.

These delivery times are a guide based on the carriers terms of service, products may, in some unusual cases take longer to arrive. If this happens, please get in touch.

Return your watch for an exchange

We are happy to exchange unworn watches.

Fastening the watch will cause damage to the leather. If this is the case, we charge for the watch strap (or we can put the worn strap on the exchanged watch for free).

Please email us directly if you think your watch is faulty.

Return your watch for a refund

To return for a full refund, you have 30 days if purchased online. After this time we can offer an exchange if your watch hasn’t been worn.

If you purchased your watch in-store, we can offer an exchange or store credit only. This is because you’ve seen the watch in person and had the opportunity to try it on. Please let us know if you’re purchasing as a gift.

T-shirt returns and Exchanges

We recommend checking the measurements of our t-shirts on our size guide before placing your order, you can also check them here

However, if your t-shirt is faulty, we can offer an exchange or a refund. In this circumstance, please email us within 30 days of placing your order, with a photograph of the problem, as well as your order number.

To return other products (such as straps) please email us: info@mrjoneswatches.com to arrange this.

UK returns

1) Generate your free returns label here.

2) Print it off and stick it to your original packaging.

3) Take it to your local post office. Find your closest here.

(If you no longer have your original packaging, please ensure your watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap / something similar to protect it in transit).

NB please include a short note describing the issue with the watch and your contact details.

EU and International returns

Please send the watch to this address:

Mr Jones Watches (repairs)
61 Dartmouth Road
London SE23 3HN
United Kingdom

Ensure the watch is securely wrapped in bubble wrap to protect it in transit.

Please include a note stating:

- the reason for the return
- a detailed description of the problem with your watch (if sending for repair)
- your email address and your order number
- remember to include your return delivery address, (so we know where to send the repaired watch)

We recommend you use a tracked service.

As the UK is no longer in the EU, you will have to fill in a Customs Declaration form (usually a CN22).

Please write in the description field "wristwatch, return for factory repair / refund , no commercial value."

This is essential otherwise an import duty will be levied which you will be liable for (there is no way for us to reclaim this charge).

Please note: we do not cover shipping costs for unwanted items, returned from outside of the UK. If you are returning a watch that is faulty we may be able to reimburse shipping costs if your watch is within warranty, please contact us ahead of sending in this instance.

Audemars Piguet Vzss (c. 1955)