We often talk about our love for Audemars Piguet’s creative watch designs. It all began with this model in the 1950s by a then little known watch designer.

Well, perhaps not literally with this model. But it’s safe to say that Audemars Piguet’s most creative period began in the 1950s when it shifted its focus from strictly functional designs to incorporating a more out-of-the-box aesthetic quality with a knack for the futuristic firmly in line with the vibe of the 1950s.

An important figure in this move was a young and then unknown designer, Gerald Genta. Later known for some of the past century’s most iconic watch designs—like the Nautilus and Royal Oak, to name but a few—Genta made his start as a budding watch and jewelry designer by selling his designs to various watch brands for 15 Swiss Francs a piece.

The central piece among these early designs that Genta made for Audemars Piguet is this particular watch, lovingly nicknamed ‘Disco Volante’ (‘Flying saucer’) by Italian collectors. By combining an ultra thin profile with show-stopping oversized bezels that were adorned with different types of finishing, it became a quintessential representation of Audemars Piguet’s pioneering aesthetic spirit in the second half of the twentieth century.

This 18k yellow gold variation from the early 2000s features a wide bezel with four concentric rings that is only briefly interrupted for the winding crown at the three o’clock position. The silvered dial, conversely, features a classic dress look with painted Roman numerals at the quarters, interspersed with applied 18k yellow gold baton markers, and elegant black leaf hands. The 'Tiffany & Co.' signature at the six o’clock position indicates that the watch was sold at the famed New York City-based jewelers.

The watch measures 35 mm in diameter and features an innovative integrated strap system. Instead of being attached to lugs, the strap is sandwiched between the case and a screw-down backplate, giving the watch a harmonious feel.

This example comes on a generic black alligator leather strap with an 18k yellow gold Audemars Piguet ardillon buckle.