First off, why this rather original nickname? Well, with a bit of imagination, you can see in the shape of the watch a cobra snake standing upright — the bracelet representing the scales and the dial symbolizing the head of the Cobra.
QUIRKY BACKSTORY. QUIRKY BACKSTORY. QUIRKY BACKSTORY. QUIRKY BACKSTORY. QUIRKY BACKSTORY
Audemars Piguet Cobra. Audemars Piguet Cobra. Audemars Piguet Cobra. Audemars Piguet Cobra
03 November 2025
The Quirky Backstory Of The Audemars Piguet Cobra
1972 was an important year for Audemars Piguet, as it marked the launch of the famous Royal Oak! To this day, this iconic watch is celebrated as one of the initiators of the integrated bracelet trend. While that statement is absolutely true, few know that a year earlier, the brand from Le Brassus had already introduced another exclusive integrated bracelet watch, nicknamed “Cobra.”
In reality, this collection wasn’t officially called “Cobra,” but was instead referred to by reference numbers such as 5403, 5587, and others.
Its aesthetics scream 1970s flair, perfectly capturing the lifestyle of those able to afford such timepieces at the time. The “Cobra” was impossible to miss on someone’s wrist, as light danced and reflected on the different facets of the case and bracelet. Both were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the half-watch, half-bracelet appearance.
Only available in white or yellow gold, the “Cobra” was often adorned with diamond-set indexes and occasionally even diamond-set hands. But the most surprising element of this exclusive collection lies within its movement — the ultra-thin automatic caliber 2121, the very same movement that would power the Royal Oak Jumbo a year later.
Also offered with a day-date function, the “Cobra” remained a highly exclusive timepiece, with only a very limited number ever produced.
FUN FACT :
The last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Chah Pahlavi, was seen wearing one of these Audemars Piguet “Cobra”watches on several occasions.