Posts filed under Audemars Piguet

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore New Safari and New Navy. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Last week at the SIHH 2014, Audemars Piguet unveiled six new models of the Royal Oak Offshore in 42 mm. With this new line-up, there are several models that will no longer be produced and that have disappeared from the Royal Oak Offshore line as we knew them. Within these new six references, there are two particular models that we need to talk about in depth, the new Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' and the new Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy'.

The original Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' and Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy' were released in 2007 both as models specifically designed to be worn on a hornback strap and with color combinations that were somewhat different to the more conventional designs available as part of the 'Themes' line at the time. This year, both models have not only undergone an important facelift with new ceramic pushers and crown, new designed crown guards, new display case backs, new pin buckle straps, new hour/minute hands, but also a completely new look on their dials with new colors and also more streamlined Arabic numerals that appear thinner than on the previous generation of Royal Oak Offshores.

Today, the Royal Oak Offshore that we have been referring to as the 'Navy' for the last seven years, will no longer be fitted with a white dial and blue counters, but with a navy blue dial with off-white counters, blue flange with orange tachymeter scale, orange chronograph hands and a gorgeous cobalt blue rubber strap. We really think that the new 'Navy' is more bold and way better looking than the original one. In only two weeks, we have already seen the positive reactions from Audemars Piguet collectors and we can already sense that this will become a hot commodity as soon as it hits the authorized dealers network. The reference number for this new model is 26470ST.OO.A027CA.01.

Now, let's talk about the redesigned Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' ref. 26470ST.OO.A801CR.01. The 'Safari' will now have a more ivory-cream colored dial than its predecessor with brown Arabic numerals, milk chocolate brown chrono counters and a brown flange with white tachymeter scale. While the original 'Safari' has always been an iconic model in the Royal Oak Offshore collection, we think that the new dial is more appealing and less boring. The new 42 mm Offshores will no longer be fitted with folding clasps but with pin buckles and the new buckle on the brown hornback alligator strap on the redesigned 'Safari' looks and feels great.

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While we consider ourselves purists when it comes to certain iconic watches, we really feel that the redesigned 'Safari' and 'Navy' are perfect examples of what reinvention and redesign in the watch industry should look like. With the new Royal Oak Offshore line, Audemars Piguet continues to prove why to "break the rules you first must master them."

Sticker Price Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' $26,000 USD. Sticker Price Royal Oak Offshore 'Navy' $25,600 USD.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on February 1, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Safari Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Navy Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470ST.OO.A027CA.01 Royal Oak Offshore 'Safari' ref. 26470ST.OO.A801CR.01.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm White Ceramic ref. 26402CB. Live Pictures and Pricing.

In 2011 Audemars Piguet introduced the 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection with a 44 mm diameter case and a whole new design under ref. 26400. Three years later, the manufacture continues to beef up its 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore collection with a completely new timepiece featuring a white ceramic case, white ceramic crown and pushers and titanium guards and plots, all rounded out by a white rubber strap with a titanium pin buckle.

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This new 44 mm Royal Oak Offshore features a silver dial with dark blue chrono counters and a dark blue flange. Depending on the lighting conditions, the counters and flange can go from a midnight blue to almost black looking. The reference number for this new timepiece in the 44mm Offshore lineup is 26402CB.OO.A010CA.01.

As all other 44mm Royal Oak Offshores, this watch is fitted with a display case back that allows for full view of the Audemars Piguet calibre 3126/3840 composed of 365 parts, 59 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 55 hours when fully wound. The case back is also made of titanium and fitted with a anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal.

On the wrist, the watch wears exactly like all other 44 mm Royal Oak Offshores but slightly lighter due to the full ceramic case with titanium guards. We are confident, that this new Royal Oak Offshore 44 mm will be as popular among men as it will be among women, regardless of its 44 mm size. We've seen a trend in the past five years where ladies have gone all the way from 32 mm watches up to 41 mm. Therefore, going up another 3 mm in size is really not much of a big deal. This watch is also available in black ceramic with titanium guards and black dial for the exact same price.

Sticker Price $41,700 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44mm 26402CB.OO.A010CA.01 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore White Ceramic 2014.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph in Platinum. Live Pictures and Pricing.

This time we are talking about our newest favorite tourbillon in the market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 26388PO.OO.D027CA.01 in 950 Platinum presented at the SIHH 2014. This is a grail for many watchlifestylers and one hell of a watch. This Offshore is not only one amazing horological complication, but perhaps one of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs with the most mesmerizing wrist presence.

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This robust timepiece featuring a tourbillon, also features an integrated column wheel 30-minute chronograph —quite a complication. After a successful launch in 2011 featuring a case in 18K pink gold and a forged carbon bezel under ref. 26288OF.OO.D002CR.01 reviewed here, this year Audemars Piguet presents the platinum version of this watch fitted with a ceramic bezel instead of forged carbon. This fascinating complication measuring 44mm in diameter and 16.60mm in thickness no longer features the four carved out corners on the top of the case —near the lug areas— as its predecessor; however, it still maintains the carved out plots and a perfectly brushed finished case with exuberating 'chamfers' very typical of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore timepieces. Fitted now with a black ceramic bezel that matches the pushers and the crown, this watch is as perfect as it gets. The watch features an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, an anti-reflective coated display case back and a tourbillon with an integrated column wheel chronograph.

The openworked dial on this watch is now blue instead of black, following the traditional Audemars Piguet strategy of fitting blue dials on platinum Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition pieces. The dial features a 30-minute chrono-register in light and dark blue at 3, a tourbillon at 9 o'clock and two openings at 12 and 6 o'clock. The blue dial features contrasting white Arabic numerals, white gold hands with luminescent coating, a blue flange with tachymetric scale and white chrono hands to round up its perfectly balanced configuration.

The beating heart inside of this new model is the hand-wound Audemars Piguet calibre 2912 composed of 328 parts, 30 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 237 hours —almost ten full days— when fully wound. Although this watch comes with the same movement as its predecessor —you can see it here—, it appears like Audemars Piguet has added two more bridges to the movement slightly reducing the visibility of the calibre.

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Another difference between the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph in Platinum and its predecessor, is that while the rose gold model features a black large square scale hand-stitched alligator strap, this new platinum version features a sporty blue rubber strap with folding clasp that looks just amazing. On the wrist the watch is as comfortable as its predecessor and slightly heavier due to the density of the 950 platinum case.

Sticker Price $313,900 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet ref. 26388PO.OO.D027CA.01 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph Platinum AP Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chrono ref. 26388PO.OO.D027CA.01 2014.

SIHH 2014: Experience the Audemars Piguet Pavilion. A Perfectly Executed Journey to the Vallée de Joux.

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The Audemars Piguet pavilion at the SIHH 2014 was a perfect example of the new look and feel of their boutiques. Following their new brand identity strategy Audemars Piguet presented a pavilion following the modern, sleek and minimalist design now present in some of their newly opened boutiques like the one in Bal Harbour reviewed here.

The pavilion included the traditional sleek wooden flooring around some of the showcases, modern wooden walls, polygonal blocks —serving as the base for the wooden counter tops and the showcases—, rocks, several very senior watchmakers on duty, amazing displays for the novelties, a gorgeous Royal Oak Tourbillon Desk Clock on the watchmakers bench, fellow Chicagoan Octavio Garcia —Chief Artistic Officer for Audemars Piguet— was present for a few days and also the one and only original Offshore —an unmarked example— was on display. Exactly like the one that was on our wrist, we really didn't come prepared.

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The modern and sleek design was accentuated by several Hans J. Wegner chairs, beautiful screens with images from the Vallée de Joux and of course some amazing chocolate truffles and the best champagne. Once again, Audemars Piguet knocks it out of the park with a pavilion filled with their brand essence, history and flawlessly portraying the values of the manufacture. Now enjoy the pictures and pretend you came along.

For more info on Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 Novelties click here.

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 Pavilion Audemars Piguet Original Royal Oak Offshore Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 Novelties Octavio Garcia Chief Artistic Officer AP 2014.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver White Ceramic ref. 15707CB. Collection of Macros and Pricing.

After the launch of three very successful Royal Oak Offshore Diver models, Audemars Piguet presented this week at the SIHH 2014 the new addition to the AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver family. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15707CB.OO.A010CA.01 in white ceramic, white dial with dark blue accents —almost black looking in person— and a gorgeous white rubber strap, is for sure one that will be very successful especially among the ladies or among those watchlifestylers seeking to make a statement with an eye-catching design and striking color combo.

This new model comes in the same size —42mm in diameter— as all other preceding AP Divers but is fitted with a display case back just like the black ceramic Diver —the Forged Carbon Diver and the Stainless Steel Diver come with a solid case back. The beating heart inside this watch is the same calibre that has been used on all other Divers and on the Royal Oak 15300 and 15400.

Sticker Price $23,900 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15707CB.OO.A010CA.01 New AP Diver White Ceramic SIHH 2014 2014.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Bright, white, sleek and powerful, the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon ref. 26580IO.OO.D010CA.SDT has been presented at the SIHH —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie— 2014 in Geneva. The watch is just amazing in person and this is a watch that caters to serious avant-garde collectors and connoisseurs. Its sculpted titanium case middle and integrated rubber strap combine with a white ceramic bezel to frame the highly architectural array of tourbillon carriage and second ‘GMT’ time-zone display inside —case and movement in perfect harmony. New for 2014, however, is the flash of pure white center-stage: an intricately machined upper bridge made of white ceramic —only possible now, thanks to Audemars Piguet’s ongoing advances in materials science. As you will be able to appreciate in the pictures, the anti-reflective treatment on the front and back crystals is extraordinary.

This year’s Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon features a white ceramic bezel, crown and push pieces instead of black, all heightening the contrast with the titanium case middle. However, in typical, trailblazing style, the manufacture has now gone one step further and incorporated ceramic into the movement itself, replacing the blackened upper bridge of Calibre 2913 with white ceramic. As a result, the new Calibre 2930 is visually transformed, its dazzling, hourglass-shaped bridge further enlivened by the double symmetry of the tourbillon bridges and GMT display.

Now enjoy these images we have taken just for your viewing pleasure.

Sticker Price $202,100 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 novelties click here.

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon ref. 26580IO.OO.D010CA.SDT Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon GMT Ceramic 2014.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver White Ceramic ref. 15707CB. Live Pictures and Pricing.

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Sticker Price $23,900 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on January 22, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15707CB 2014.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Redesigned Royal Oak Offshore 42mm Line. Macros and Side-by-Side Shots Next to the First Offshore.

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 Redesigned Offshore.

SIHH 2014: Audemars Piguet Reinvents the 42mm Royal Oak Offshore as ref. 26470. Live Pictures and Pricing.

A while back we heard from Francois-Henry Bennahmias that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad would not be discontinued but reinvented. Well, today we finally saw the result from such reinvention not only for the now long gone Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad but also for the whole Royal Oak Offshore 42 mm line. The result a new redesigned case with ceramic pushers, ceramic crown, a more robust crown guard, display case back, a revamped dial layout with méga tapisserie, thinner numbers and very nicely done rubber straps with a very similar look to the strap on the Royal Oak Offshore Diver. The new reference number is now 26470 with six new models in total.

More pictures and details to follow. Sticker Prices:

Stainless steel 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore on Hornback alligator $26,000 USD, Stainless steel 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore Navy on rubber strap $25,600 USD, 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore 18K Rose Gold on strap $40,700 USD and 42 mm Royal Oak Offshore 18K Rose Gold on matching bracelet $69,200 USD.

For more info on Audemars Piguet SIHH 2014 novelties click here.

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under SIHH, Audemars Piguet and tagged SIHH 2014 New AP Diver New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470 2014.

News: Presenting the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Doha Boutique Limited Edition. An Offshore with Satin-Brushed Slate Dial.

In celebration of the new Audemars Piguet Doha Boutique opening in Qatar, Audemars Piguet is delighted to unveil a very special version of its Royal Oak Offshore sports watch in the form of a limited edition model specifically designed to honor Qatar and only available at Audemars Piguet Doha Boutique. This new watch features a titanium case measuring the traditional 42 mm in diameter of the Royal Oak Offshore and is fitted with black ceramic bezel. Beyond that, this particular version of the Royal Oak Offshore becomes even more special than most because each of the 100 examples of this limited edition features a satin-brushed, slate grey dial with contrasting anthracite counters for recording elapsed times of 60 seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours. The luminescent Arabic numerals and main hour and minute hands are satin-brushed, and two of the chronograph indicators and the central seconds hand are lacquered in a vibrant red.

Another small, red detail found at the five o'clock position on the tachymeter scale further identifies this particular version of the Royal Oak Offshore. Turning the watch over, meanwhile, reveals Audemars Piguet's characteristic winding rotor through a sapphire crystal display back surrounded by a titanium border.

Each watch will be delivered on a grey alligator strap designed to complement its unique dial design and will be supplied in a special presentation box.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Technical Specifications of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Doha Boutique Limited Edition ref. 26219IO.OO.D005CR.01

Calibre:

Selfwinding Manufacture calibre 3126/3840

Function:

Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, date

Case:

Titanium case, black ceramic bezel, titanium caseback, numbered XXX/100, black rubber pushpieces and screw-locked crown, water-resistant to 100 m, diameter 42 mm.

Dial:

Satin-brushed slate-grey dial, anthracite counters, satin-brushed  Arabic numerals, hands with luminescent coating, center seconds hand and hands of the counters at 9 o’clock and 6 o’clock painted in red. “Audemars Piguet” printed in white at 3 o’clock. “SWISS MADE” printed in white at 6 o’clock. Anthracite inner bezel with “135” printed in red.

Strap:

Hand-stitched “large square scale” grey alligator strap with titanium AP folding clasp.

Quantity:

Limited Edition of 100 pieces

Réf : 26219IO.OO.D005CR.01

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News and tagged Audemars Piguet ref. 26219IO.OO.D005CR.01 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Doha Boutique 2014.

Rare Bird: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2012 Limited Edition. Only 150 Pieces Ever Made and One of Our Favorite Offshores.

Last year while visiting New York City, we stopped by the Audemars Piguet boutique to shop around and work on one of our boutique reviews published here. After looking around for a while we spotted one of our favorite Royal Oak Offshores on display, we are talking about the ultra rare and hard to find Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2012 Limited Edition ref. 26208ST.00.D305CR.01. This watch launched by Audemars Piguet in 2012 to celebrate the 21st edition of the Tour Auto Optic 2000 rally was launched in a limited series of only a 150 pieces with a very special presentation box that contains a watch display case shaped like a vintage automotive air filter.

Now, the main difference between this watch and the previously released Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2008 —Limited Edition of only 100 pieces ref. 26184ST.00.D003CU.01— is that the dial on this newer reference is white opposed to black on its predecessor. Image below courtesy of: TempoInverso.com

The Tour Optic Auto 2000 2012 race was held from April 16th thru the 21st and is Organized by Peter Auto for the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile —FFSA— with licenses from ASA Tour Auto. For an entry fee of €8,300 entrants get five days of competition driving all the way from Paris to a southern destination in France that is typically Nice or Biarritz. The rally race is open to 200 cars which —or the model of which— have participated between 1951 and 1973 in the Tour Optic Auto race. In 2013, the race —22nd Tour Auto Optic 2ooo— took place from April 22nd thru the 27th and for the first time, the finish line was in the southwestern French city of La Rochelle. Audemars Piguet has been the official timekeeper of the competition since 2006, reason why they decided to launch this special watch.

Fitted with the traditional Royal Oak Offshore 42 mm case, this watch in stainless steel features a beautiful white Méga Tapisserie dial with contrasting colors inspired by the French flag with blue chrono counters at 6 and 9 o'clock, white running seconds register at 12 o'clock, blue Arabic numerals, white gold hands with red luminescent coating and a white tachymeter flange with red scale. If you like blue and red, this is perhaps the most appealing and beautiful dials on any Royal Oak Offshore launched to date.

To round out the spectacular look of the watch, Audemars Piguet decided to carefully engrave the case back with the Tour Auto logo and pair the watch with a hornback alligator strap in blue with red contrasting stitching. This watch just like most other Offshores is fitted with a deployant buckle.

The Royal Oak Offshore Tour Auto 2012 is as rare as it gets and one Offshore that is extremely hard to find. On our way out we just couldn't get it out of our head. If you are ready to get a very special limited edition Royal Oak Offshore chronograph that is not the Rubens Barrichelo II reviewed here and that everyone wants, then this is the one. Now, if you can find a Royal Oak Offshore Gentleman Driver Limited Edition that would be a very close contender to this one, if not even superior.

Sticker Price $34,200 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Tour Optic Auto 2000 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26208ST.00.D305CR.01 Audemars Piguet Tour Auto 2008 Audemars Piguet Tour Auto 2012 Audemars Piguet ref. 26184ST.00.D003CU.01 2014.

Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Limited Edition. A Beast in Rose Gold and Forged Carbon.

The other day, we ran into one of our favorite discontinued limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore models and decided to work on this quick review for our readers that are AP fans. Alinghi’s victory at the America's Cup in 2003 inspired Audemars Piguet to design an innovative chronograph watch  —the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Polaris— with a special new movement featuring a regatta flyback function, the first of its kind to date.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team Limited Edition ref. 26062OR.OO.A002CA.01 is a beast of a watch and one that you rarely run into in the wild. This watch of which only 600 pieces were made in rose gold, 1300 in forged carbon and 107 pieces in platinum —all three models with a forged carbon bezel. The Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team is fitted with an 18k rose gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 14.65 mm in thickness, a forged carbon bezel, a robust oversized ceramic crown, rounded ceramic pushers, and a black rubber strap with rose gold pin buckle. As expected, the case construction is very solid just as on any other Royal Oak Offshore and the solid case back is a work of art featuring a delicate relief motif of the 'Alinghi Team' in action and secured with special head screws not commonly present on other timepieces in the Offshore collection. As it is common with AP watches, the chamfers are to die for and just mesmerizing.

While the strap is very nice and supple —with a similar texture to the strap on the Rubber Clad—, unfortunately we can't say the same about the sharp special screws on the exterior of the buckle. These screws dig so much into the back of the wrist that it's almost impossible to wear this watch comfortably considering the top heavy 18k rose gold case.

The black dial with 'grande tapisserie' on the center and concentric circles pattern on the perimeter, features rose gold Arabic numerals, red chronograph seconds hand, red surrounds, the 'Alinghi Team' logo at 3 o'clock right next to the 10-minute regatta countdown aperture, a 20-minute register at 9 and a 6-hour chrono-register at 6 o'clock. The chrono and seconds hands are shaped like a ship's prow while the minute and hour hands are skeletonized with luminous material on the tips. The beating heart inside this watch is the automatic Audemars Piguet calibre 2326/2848 composed of 366 parts, fitted with 50 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 40 hours while beating at a frequency of 28,800vph. Even when most of the owners of this watch really don't use the watch for its intended purpose or even care about how the regatta functions work, we will explain it here for those that care.

During a regatta there are four warning signals that are given by the officials before the sailboats can cross the start line. Once the first warning signal is given 11 minutes before the crossing of the start line, the countdown should be started on the watch by pushing the top pusher —stop/start—, when the second warning signal is given ten minutes before the official start, the bottom pusher —flyback/reset— should be pressed advising the crew that there are only ten minutes left until the start of the race. When the third warning signal is given, the regatta aperture and the register at 9 o'clock will show that there are 5 minutes remaining. One minute before the official crossing of the start line, the regatta aperture shows the number one and the team knows that there is one minute left before the fourth warning signal is given announcing the beginning of the race. When the fourth signal is given, the regatta aperture will show the number ten and the wearer should then press the bottom pusher to start recording the length of the race without needing to stop the chrono thanks to its flyback function.

As mentioned before, the case back is a real treat for the eyes and one can stare at it for hours. The artists at Audemars Piguet really captured the spirit of the 'Alinghi Team' in action with an amazing level of detail on the relief.

On the wrist, the watch feels impressive and provides unparalleled wrist presence wearing way bigger than its actual size because of the protruding crown guards. While this massive watch is very sporty, the precious metal on it gives it enough elegance for it to be worn with a suit or even a tuxedo. For those of you wondering what happened to the partnership between AP and Alinghi, all we can tell you is that their partnership ceased a while back and now Hublot had become their official timekeeper. Go figure why?

Last known Sticker Price $61,100 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here and for the Alinghi team here.

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Royal Oak Alinghi America's Cup 2003 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team ref. 26062OR.OO.A002CA.01 Posts 2013.

Experience: Chivas Regal 18 Pininfarina. A Partnership Between Two Perfectionists and a Great Limited Edition.

Chivas Regal 18 Pininfarina was launched earlier this year throughout the world but it is still scarcely available throughout the U.S. market. This limited edition, product of a collaboration between two perfectionists, will satisfy your luxurious palate to the fullest.

Pininfarina, the acclaimed auto designer that has worked for Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Peugeot and Rolls Royce amongst other car brands and that has also dabbled into the waters of watchmaking in a special partnership with Bovet, has now decided to join forces with one of the top whiskeys in the world in order to create this special edition that gets the best from both brands and blends into a unique experience for watchlifestylers that like the finer things in life. The video below will tell you more about the essence of Pininfarina.

Click on the video only if you are of legal drinking age in your country.

In this special partnership, Paolo Trevisan —Design Manager of Pininfarina Extra— wanted to create something that represented the essence of both brands and we think he did pretty well. A perfect symbol of collaboration. Liquid shaped by air. Pininfarina’s mastery of aerodynamics, combined with the peerless whisky of Chivas Regal 18. Uniting and embodying the passions of both icons, it is the inspiration behind three limited edition expressions of their partnership. Trevisan paid a visit to Chivas' home Strathisla to meet Master Blender Colin Scott, where the two shared their vision for the exclusive Chivas 18 by Pininfarina. Here's a video that explains the design process behind this limited edition. Just fascinating and inspiring.

Click on the video only if you are of legal drinking age in your country.

This partnership is perfectly executed in three different amazing products. The first one —named Limited Edition One— is a gorgeous drop-shaped blue container lined with wood, the second one —Limited Edition Two— is a larger individually numbered drop-shaped container that contains a bottle of whisky, two drop-shaped glasses and where the top part of the container can be used as an ice bucket and lastly the third one called the 'Mascherone', which is a special order free standing wooden and aluminum sculpture display. To round out the special edition, Pininfarina also created a specially designed bottle of Chivas 18 with Pininfarina’s design notes visible on the metalized crest and the Italian company’s logo, proudly emblazoned on the capsule and neck wrap to reflect the streamlined metallic finish of a classic car.

The 'Mascherone' standing display was inspired by the original wooden frame that was used to design cars in the old days and is a sculpture where the product is properly displayed around wood and blue aluminum. The Chivas Regal 18 Mascherone by Pininfarina marks the pinnacle of their partnership. Hand assembled in Cambiano by Pininfarina, it features an oak internal structure and clad in aluminium. Mirroring the elegant precision of Pininfarina's celebrated automotive innovations, only five of this collector's pieces will be on display globally and individual pieces will be made to order on request. A light, found at the base, brings this artistic piece to life. Here's a video that talks about the beauty and story behind the 'Mascherone'.

If you are a whisky drinker and someone that enjoys life to the fullest always searching for the ultimate luxury, this limited edition won't disappoint you. Now, if you really want to go for the whole nine yards, you can place a special order for one of the 'Mascherones' and continue to live life to the fullest. One thing we know, is that the 'Mascherone' will look great inside your beautiful home at the New York by Gehry on 8 Spruce Street.

Sticker Price for Limited Edition 2 $500 USD. For more info on Chivas Regal 18 click here and for Pininfarina here.

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Sybarite Guide, Audemars Piguet and tagged Chivas 18 Pininfarina Chivas Regal 18 Pininfarina Limited Edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Mascherone by Pininfarina Cambiano Cambiano Italy Paolo Trevisan Colin Scott Strathisla Scotland Paolo Pininfarina 2013.

News: Pre-SIHH 2014 Audemars Piguet Presents the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon.

Bright, white, sleek and powerful, the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon to be presented for the first time at the SIHH —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie— 2014 in Geneva is a watch for avant-garde collectors and connoisseurs that brooks no compromise in either technical or aesthetic terms.

Its sculpted titanium case middle  and integrated rubber strap combine with a white ceramic bezel to frame the highly architectural array of tourbillon carriage and second ‘GMT’ time-zone display inside —case and movement in perfect harmony. New for 2014, however, is the flash of pure white center-stage: an intricately machined upper bridge made of white ceramic —only possible now, thanks to Audemars Piguet’s ongoing advances in materials science.

The Concept evolution

The Royal Oak Concept was first unveiled in 2002 as an avant-garde, 30th-anniversary tribute to Audemars Piguet’s legendary octagonal Royal Oak – designed by Gérald Genta as the world’s first luxury watch in stainless steel.

The Concept’s ultra-hard Alacrite 602 case was more rounded to highlight Genta’s signature octagonal bezel and its eight hexagonal screws. The dial was left off, exposing the advanced micro-mechanics ticking within. All these revolutionary design codes have persisted throughout the Concept series, from 2008’s Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon and Chronograph – an ultra-light timepiece that was the first to combine a forged-carbon case and movement mainplate – to the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon of 2011, with ultra-light, ultra-resistant titanium case and black-ceramic octagonal bezel, push pieces and crown.

This year’s Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon features a white ceramic bezel, crown and push pieces instead of black, all heightening the contrast with the titanium case middle. However, in typical, trailblazing style, the Manufacture has now gone one step further and incorporated ceramic into the movement itself, replacing the blackened upper bridge of Calibre 2913 with white ceramic. As a result, the new Calibre 2930 is visually transformed, its dazzling, hourglass-shaped bridge further enlivened by the double symmetry of the tourbillon bridges and GMT display.

Materials know-how

White ceramic is about nine times harder than steel, meaning the manufacture of the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon’s bezel, push pieces, crown and especially its intricately shaped upper bridge was a complex and lengthy process.

Ceramic is an almost totally scratch-proof composite material that can be scratched only by diamonds, calling for the use of special milling-cutter machines equipped with diamond-tipped tools. Treating the roughed-out surfaces and edges to a polished or satin-brushed finish represents a daunting technical challenge, due to ceramic’s inherent resistance to abrasion. It takes around 8 hours to make the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon’s bezel, compared with 45 minutes if it were steel, calling upon all the savoir-faire of the watchmakers and engineers. As well as giving an exceptionally smooth final appearance, ceramic has a practical purpose, displaying extreme resistance to wear.

Similarly, the titanium used for the case middle and sapphire surround is ultra strong, comfortable to wear twice and as light as steel – advantageous for a watch of such generous 44mm proportions. Further demonstrating Audemars Piguet’s deeply entrenched knowledge of high-tech metals and materials, the inner flange circling the dial is made of lightweight aluminum, hardened by anodization.

This daring cocktail of ceramics and metals is just the latest chapter in Audemars Piguet’s ongoing quest to push the envelope when it comes to materials science —a quest that started over 40 years ago with the Manufacture’s most daring move of all, using steel in a luxury watch for the very first time.

Technical tour de force

The defining characteristic of Audemars Piguet’s Concept watches has always been the coherence of case and movement. The ultra-modern ‘engine’ is seamlessly integrated within its ultra-modern ‘chassis’, whose techy aesthetic perfectly complements and showcases the exposed micro-mechanics.

An impressive feat in its own right, the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon’s hand-wound Calibre 2930 features a twin barrel ensuring 10-day power reserve, tourbillon and second time-zone ‘GMT’ display.

Its timekeeping is regulated by a 3Hz (21,600vph) escapement, rotating inside a tourbillon carriage every 60 seconds, compensating for the effects of the Earth's gravity when the watch is oriented vertically for any length of time.

The tourbillon cage comprises 85 components, yet only 0.45g in weight. An experienced watchmaker spends almost three days assembling its 85 components, including two full days to install the cage, while the full workings will require over two weeks of work. Audemars Piguet is still one of the few manufactures to have mastered all the intricacies of this complication, with over 25 different movements featuring a tourbillon. Each component is beveled, polished, assembled and balanced by hand.

The GMT display provides an instant reading of the time in a second time-zone. It is adjusted using the push piece at 4 o’clock (one press adjusts the time by one hour). The indication of the second time-zone, based on 12 hours, comprises two superimposed discs, making it easy to tell the time. The first, on which the figures are inscribed, completes one turn in 12 hours. The second, just below, completes a turn in 24 hours and has 2 colored areas: a white half for daytime and a black half for night-time. This makes it easier to read the figures.

Audemars Piguet’s proprietary parallel double barrel system ensures the Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon runs for as many as 10 days before it needs to be manually wound again, generating a constant force during some 237 hours of autonomy, enhancing timekeeping precision.

The energy from Calibre 2930’s two 10-day barrels is fed into the geartrain at the same time via a single pinion bridging the two. This is a far gentler means of transmitting energy than the usual system of two series-linked 5-day barrels. It also reduces pressure in the gearing, the friction in the barrels is used to offset torque variations, and it gives increased running precision, greater power reserve and enhanced reliability.

The Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon also features a selection indicator mechanism. According to the position of the winding stem, the hand positioned on the dial at 6 o’clock indicates the function selected. The H, N and R indications correspond to the three positions of the winding stem, meaning time-setting, neutral and winding respectively.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Technical Data

Movement

Calibre 2930, hand-wound manufacture
Total diameter: 35.60mm (15 ¾ lines)
Thickness: 9.90mm
Number of jewels: 29
Number of parts: 291
Power reserve: 237h
Frequency of balance wheel: 3Hz (21,600vph)
White ceramic upper bridge
Finishing: hand-finished bridges and mainplate, hand finished cut-out parts, polished angles, hand-drawn file strokes on upper surface and matt finish beneath.

Case

Titanium case
Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback
White ceramic bezel
Screw-locked crown and white ceramic push piece
Water-resistant to 100m

Display

Openworked
Second time-zone indicator at 3 o’clock
Crown position indicator at 6 o’clock
Tourbillon at 9 o’clock with black anodized aluminum bridge
White gold Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating
Black anodized aluminum inner bezel

Bracelet

White rubber strap with titanium AP folding clasp

Function

24-hour GMT display
Day and night indicator
Functions selection
Hours and minutes

Reference

RO 26580IO.OO.D010CA.SDT

 

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News, SIHH and tagged Audemars Piguet ref. 26580IO.OO.D010CA.SDT.

Experience: SIAR Mexico 2013. The Fascinating and Sleek Audemars Piguet Suite.

We are continuing our live reporting straight from Mexico City bringing you these images of the Audemars Piguet suite at the Four Seasons Hotel. Opposed to Baselworld or the SIHH, the brands are located within small rooms in a very private setting. Of all booths at the SIAR Mexico 2013, the Audemars Piguet suite is perhaps the most fascinating one and a true treat to the eyes. The design is modern, sleek and minimalist replicating the new look and feel of their boutiques. The suite is composed of three rooms fully decorated with wood, Mies Van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, Hans J. Wegner chairs and the most beautiful screens with images from the Vallée de Joux and the manufacture. Every corner is filled with the Audemars Piguet essence and portraying the values of this haute horlogerie manufacture.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, Events and tagged SIAR 2013 Mexico Audemars Piguet Suite Posts 2013 2013.

Experience: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James. The Launch Party in Miami.

Finally, we get to share with you the fascinating party that was hosted by Audemars Piguet in Miami this past Friday, September 27, 2013, honoring the launch of their new Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James Limited Edition ref. 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01.

It was an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, celebrities, watchlifestylers, journalists, bloggers, VIP guests, influencers, amazing timepieces, good music, great food, champagne and some very nice signature cocktails.

Some of the celebrities at the party included LeBron James and his wife Savannah Brinson, Scott Disick —one of Audemars Piguet biggest fans— and Kourtney Kardashian, former NY Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and Audemars Piguet golf ambassador Belen Mozo amongst others. 

During the evening we not only had the chance to admire some of the most beautiful timepieces in the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections that were on display, but we also ran into some of the most fascinating timepieces in the wrist of some of the guests. Top sightings include a Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication in Titanium —number 1 of 3— with custom engraved rotor with the owner's initials, a Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Mexico in gold and one in stainless steel, a Royal Oak Jumbo 5402ST A-Series, a Royal Oak Extra Thin Tourbillon, a Royal Oak Offshore Scuba, a few Royal Oak Offshores Michael Schumacher Limited Edition in gold and platinum, a Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Alinghi and of course the brand new LeBron James Limited Edition, but this time outside the display showcase.

Guests from all over the world enjoyed this formidable party and became integral part of this unforgettable celebration. Highlights of the night include the video that was played in synchrony with LeBron's arrival at the party and François-Henry Bennahmias words while greeting him upon his arrival.

Now, enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Audemars Piguet, thank you for including us in this amazing event.

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News and tagged LeBron James Savannah Brinson Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian Belen Mozo Francois-Henry Bennahmias Audemars Piguet LeBron James Launch Party Miami Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Mexico Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Alinghi Posts 2013 2013.

Introducing: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James Limited Edition. A Photo Essay.

First of all we would like to thank Audemars Piguet for including us amongst the select group of journalists and guests that attended this fascinating event on Friday September 27, 2013 down in Miami, Florida. The press conference just like any other event organized by Audemars Piguet was flawlessly executed in a very posh and elegant way.

At the press conference we enjoyed remarks from François-Henry Bennahmias —CEO Audemars Piguet—, Xavier Nolot —CEO Audemars Piguet North America— and NBA Miami Heat star LeBron James a.k.a. King James, followed by a brief Q&A session.

As you will appreciate in the pictures, a nice selection of Audemars Piguet watches were on the wrists of the attendees as well as several Lanvin Captoe sneakers to complete the ultimate watchlifestyler look.

Following the press conference, a few of us were treated to a nice selection of appetizers and drinks at acclaimed restaurant Juvia —located at the same 1111 Lincoln Road structure where the press conference and the party took place— right between the press conference and the party. Juvia is a place where the best elements from the French, Japanese and Peruvian cuisines intertwine in a symphony of flavors and creations that are out of this world.     

More coverage on the amazing party that followed the press conference tomorrow.  

For more info on Juvia click here and on Audemars Piguet here.  

Posted on September 28, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Audemars Piguet Press Conference LeBron James Juvia Miami Lanvin Captoe Sneakers Posts 2013 2013.

Insider: Audemars Piguet Presents the Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James Limited Edition. Live Pictures from Miami.

Today, September 27, 2013, Audemars Piguet unveiled the new Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James Limited Edition at a very posh press conference and party —at the iconic 1111 Lincoln Road structure in Miami, Florida— that we were able to attend in order to bring you this amazing live pictures. The venue were the event is taking place is an amazing open space envisioned by Robert Wennett and designed by Herzog & de Meuron in the heart of Miami beach that is the perfect setting for such global launch. 

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James ref. 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01 will only available in 600 limited edition pieces. This new Audemars Piguet watch is fitted with a 44mm case in 18K rose gold with titanium bezel, black ceramic crown with rose gold inlay, black ceramic push-pieces, diamond-set push-piece at 2 o'clock, rose gold and grey rubber push-piece guards, display case back engraved with the legend "Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition LeBron James" —and LeBron's signature imprinted in blue on the sapphire crystal—  and a gorgeous large square scale grey crocodile strap with 18K rose gold pin buckle.

This watch is fitted with a gorgeous grey 'Méga Tapisserie" dial with grey chrono registers, rose gold applied Arabic numerals, rose gold minute and hour hands, white hand for the running seconds and blue hands for the chronograph hands.  

More coverage to follow with images and video from the press conference and all the eye candy from the cocktail party that followed the press conference.

Sticker Price $51,500 USD. For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.  

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Limited Edition LeBron James Audemars Piguet ref. 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01 Post 2013 2013.

Macros: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad. A Treat to the Eyes.

The legendary Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad needs no introduction. This amazing and iconic timepiece that we've seen in the wrists of dozen of celebrities and AP lovers was launched back in 2002 and since then, it has seen very few changes. A watch that in the words of François-Henry Bennahmias —during his interview with TimeZone— will continue to live for a little while and then we'll see it re-imagined. We only wonder what it will look like when Audemars Piguet decides to do so.

For now, enjoy the eye-candy as we get ready to bring you some big news from our friends from Le Brassus later today. We will be reporting directly from Miami where a private event will be taking place and we'll bring you full coverage here and via our social media platforms of some big news from the brand. For those of you already wondering, we cannot tell you what it will be, but one thing we are certain is that it is not a re-imagined Rubber Clad. 

Featured here, the now discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad ref. 25940SK.OO.D002CA.02 —with silvered dial and grey chrono registers— and the newer version of the same watch but in rose gold ref. 25940OK.OO.D002CA.02. The stainless steel version of the Rubber Clad is still available as ref. 25940SK.OO.D002CA.03 but with black dial and silver chrono registers.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.  

Posted on September 27, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet and tagged Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubberclad Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad ref. 25940SK.OO.D002CA.02​ Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad ref. 25940OK.OO.D002CA.02 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad ref. 25940SK.OO.D002CA.03 Posts 2013 2013.

Experience: Two Classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshores Meet for Lunch at Freds at Barneys. A Photo Essay.

This time we headed over to Freds at Barneys New York for lunch. This hidden gem is one of our favorite restaurants in the city and a perfect place to talk about watches, enjoy some great food and shop at the store on your way out. 

Barneys New York started their business back in the early 1920s when Barney Pressman opened his very first store in the lower Manhattan area. Today, the Barneys New York flagship store is located on Madison Ave. between 60th and 61st streets. Barneys is also present in some of the most upscale areas of cities like Beverly Hills, Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Las Vegas and Scottsdale. The New York, Chicago and Beverly Hills locations are the only stores that have restaurants within. The restaurant is named after Fred Pressman —Barney Pressman's son.  

Barneys New York store in Chicago is located half a block away from the famous Gold Coast Triangle on Rush Street between Oak and Elm —catty corner from some of our other favorite stores like Hermès, Prada and Barbour. 

Now, enjoy the photo essay and the watch eye-candy. An image speaks more than a thousand words. Oh, and by the way, next time you stop by Freds, make sure you order the 'Linguine Vongole' as it's our absolute favorite dish.

For more info on Barneys click here.  

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Food Wine & Cigars, Audemars Piguet, Sybarite Guide and tagged Freds at Barneys Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST.OO.1000ST.01 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25770ST.OO.0001.KE.01 Linguine Alle Vongole Linguine Vongole Audemars Piguet Offshores at Barneys Posts 2013 2013.