Pulling the Trigger: A Rare Audemars Piguet Grail and the Art of Conviction

In my 30-plus years as a watch dealer, I’ve turned down countless “good deals.” Price matters, sure, but it’s never the whole story. The watch itself? That’s where the magic lies. I don’t just buy watches—I hunt treasures that stir the soul. My latest find, a 1927 Audemars Piguet Complete Calendar in pale yellow gold, is one such grail. It’s a piece so rare, most collectors don’t even know it exists, yet it’s worth more to me than some of the world’s most hyped timepieces. Here’s why I pulled the trigger on this beauty and how my conviction drives every purchase I make.

The Hunt for What Matters

Early collectors and new dealers often fall into a trap: they crunch numbers like stockbrokers, chasing trends on spreadsheets. That’s not how you build a legacy in this game. Watches aren’t stocks—they’re stories, craftsmanship, history. I’ve seen industry players come and go, chasing the fad of the moment. My edge? I’m always learning, always searching, and I trust my gut over market noise. Since 1989, dealing and collecting have been my life, and my biggest regrets aren’t the watches I’ve bought—they’re the ones I let slip away. That’s why, when a piece tugs at my heart, I don’t hesitate. I act.

A Grail Worth Fighting For

This Audemars Piguet Complete Calendar, snagged at a recent auction, is a perfect example. The watch, a rectangular stunner from 1927, had the industry buzzing before the sale. Influential publications covered it, and I braced for a bidding war. I paid over the high estimate—worth every penny. Why? This isn’t just any watch. It’s one of only 48 early pieces in a rectangular case with the coveted 10GHSM caliber, featuring a triple calendar, moon phases, and age of the moon (complete calendar). Cased in pale yellow gold—a rarity, as most were white gold—accounting even for the non-rectangular cases, only 35 of these were ever made in this metal. I’ve held countless watches, but a yellow gold example like this? That’s a first for me.

The Details That Steal My Heart

What makes this watch a grail? It’s not just the numbers—though only about 10 of these 48 are known to still exist. It’s the details. The rectangular case, sleek and timeless, houses a dial with Breguet numerals and cathedral hands, hailed as one of the most attractive configurations. The black enamel outer track and printed markers scream old-school charm, while a soft patina hints at a life well-lived, untouched for decades. This is Audemars Piguet’s heritage at its finest—a piece that whispers its brilliance to those who know what to look for.

Conviction Over Calculations

Bidding on this watch wasn’t about math—it was about conviction. The auction room was electric, but I knew this piece’s worth beyond the gavel’s fall. Its rarity, beauty, and history spoke to me louder than any spreadsheet could. Sure, the post-auction articles praising the sale felt good, but my joy came from holding a watch I love. That’s the lesson I’ve learned over decades: buy what moves you. Trends fade, but a piece like this? It’s forever. Whether it’s a Patek Philippe or a hidden gem like this Audemars, my rule is simple: if it feels right, pull the trigger.

Your Turn to Find a Treasure

This Audemars Piguet is a reminder of why I’ve stayed in this business for over 30 years. It’s not about chasing hype—it’s about finding pieces that tell a story. 

Got a watch you’re ready to sell or curious about your own grail? Reach out at info@matthewbaininc.com or call +1 305-534-5588. Let’s talk timepieces and find your next obsession, tick by tick.