One of the highlights in Christie’s upcoming Geneva auctions taking place on May 11, 2026, is the Audemars Piguet “Coussin Tortue” single-button chronograph wristwatch, serial number 41’849. It is an exceedingly rare watch, being one of a batch of three examples that were the first ever chronograph wristwatches made by Audemars Piguet (AP).

Moreover, the watch has been in the same family since new, and is consigned by a descendent of the original owner who bought the watch in 1943. Also notably is the fact that this watch has been comprehensively – but sympathetically and artfully – restored by AP.

This “cushion turtle” wristwatch has a platinum case and two-tone, solid gold dial, while the movement is a LeCoultre, just like the others in the batch of three watches. The first of the three was in white gold, following by two in platinum, including this example. Interestingly, this watch was delivered to retailer Veuve Louis Goering in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1937, but only sold six years later.

The tepid demand for such watches perhaps explains why, according to Christie’s, AP made a total of six single-button chronograph wristwatch movements, but the remaining three were only cased and sold over a decade after this one.

Restored perfectly

Besides being extremely rare and also unexpectedly beautiful, this watch stands out for having been enjoyed “extensive” restoration at Audemars Piguet.

Ordinarily restoration would be frowned upon, but the watch was presumably in poor condition before. More importantly, AP is recognised as being amongst the very best when it comes to sympathetic restoration of vintage watches, so it is no surprise the watch still retains its character and appeal.

Intriguingly, Sotheby’s in Hong Kong just sold a cushion-shaped Patek Philippe one-button chronograph from 1924 for almost US$2 million including fees. But at 34.5 mm in diameter, the Patek Philippe was oversized for the time, compared to just 27.5 mm for this AP, which was more in keeping with prevailing style.

The AP “Coussin Tortue” chronograph has an estimate of CHF200,000-400,000 (US$260,000-510,000) and it will be sold on May 11, 2026 at Christie’s Geneva auction taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues.