The disco Valante was famously introduced in the 1950s by Audemars Piguet. The watch was designed by Gebhard Duve with a reference 5093. While this is the most famous Disco Volante, the reference 5093 wasn't the first to have this unique case shape. Both Omega and Vacheron Constantine introduced this design much earlier in the 30s and 40s. At the same time, Audemars Piguet had similar models in the 1940s like the one we have here.
What makes a watch A Disco Volante? Two things must come together to make a true Disco Volante dress watch. The first is that the case shouldn't have lugs, and the strap should be tucked inside or underneath the case. The second is the shape of the case should be round with a thick bezel, giving it a saucer effect. Our example here is an early version before the reference 5093 even existed. You have a 31 mm case with an ultra-slim manual movement. the original strap is sandwiched inside the yellow-gold case.
While the 1950s examples would feature an ultra-slim large case, these earlier models are slightly different. Will you find with the Audemars Piguet disco volantes for the 1940s is a pebble-like case which is very attractive.
