We love firsts and we outlined here (*klikk) and there (*klikk) why the early automatic calibers of Audemars & Vacheron, similar to Pateks first automatic are something rare and special -- all made in much lower quantites than following JLC cal920-derived calibers.

Yes, in horology it is all about chronology: *klikk. And like in the electronic watches, tuningfork and especially quartz, and other segments of watchmaking the firsts and early examples are usually priced much higher and are thus naturally premium-products -- not necessary to create an artificial shortage by adding diamonds or questionable complications -- combined with low production numbers, age and collectability (*klikk).

And there are two more aspects that make these watches interesting: their size and their feeling. Due to the volume of the early automatics the height and diameter of these watches is close to optimal for daily wear and the significant rotor-weight creates a great wrist-feeling when moved.

NB: The photo shows the 1st Patek-Automatic (Patek cal12-600 AT) & the 1st Audemars-Automatic (AP cal2499) on top and some early VC (cal1071) & AP (cal2071) below. Bottom-right is the earliest cal12P-Piaget known to me -- probably the first ever in whitegold made in late 1959 or early 1960 according to our notes and research.