A few days ago, we took some macro pictures of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01. These pictures are a perfect example of what attention to detail means when it comes to watchmaking.
As it is the norm with Audemars Piguet timepieces, attention to detail is one thing that this 'Haute Horlogerie' really masters. From the glossy look and details on the Méga tapisserie dial to the perfectly brushed finish of the case and the rubberclad crowns, all design elements of this watch join in a symphony that only Audemars Piguet can play.
To celebrate Singapore's 50th Independence anniversary, Audemars Piguet and Gardens by The Bay have come together to commemorate the occasion with the unveiling of Singapore’s only sizable public floral clock. Blending timekeeping precision with botanical artistry, the Floral Clock was unveiled by Minister for National Development, Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, together with Dr. Kiat W. Tan, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, and Mr. Oliviero Bottinelli, Member of the Board of Directors, Audemars Piguet Holding SA. Displayed prominently in the Gardens, at the intersection between the cooled conservatoires and the Supertree Grove, the seven-meter-wide Floral Clock draws inspiration from the signature characteristics of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak collection and fuses traditional and contemporary landscaping elements in its design. Featuring tropical plants with colored foliage and flowers, its plant palette will be refreshed regularly for the public to enjoy.
We often run into watchlifestylers that are curious about the differences between the different types of 'tapisseries' on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore dials. While many know their names, few know the difference between them. Now, how does Audemars Piguet create these iconic 'Clous de Paris' guilloché pattern dials?
The brass dial is engraved by a burin —a precision metalwork chisel— that reproduces the motif on a disc attached to the machine, like a pantograph. A pointer rotates across the disc from the periphery to the center. The system is combined with a tool that forms the little lozenges between the pyramidal squares and takes between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the dial's diameter. It's a delicate operation. A mere skip is all it takes to damage the piece as the slightest impact is as visible as dust on a mirror. Here's a video courtesy of Audemars Piguet showing the work to create one of these iconic dials.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico' in 18K rose gold, is one of those watches that if you are a fan of AP and you are Mexican, you need to own. However, this very special watch was released in 2010 by Audemars Piguet in a limited edition of 200 pieces in titanium with stainless steel bezel ref. 26297IS.OO.D101CR.01 —reviewed by us here— and in a 100 pieces in 18K rose gold ref. 26297OR.OO.D101CR.01. In our opinion, this is the most beautiful 'Pride' Offshore out there. Therefore, is no surprise that soon after its release, the watch was completely sold out. While many gray watch dealers claim to have these watches in stock, they don't and finding a brand new one or even a mint one like the rare bird we have here, is as hard as finding 'El Chapo' roaming around the streets of Mexico City.
While today there is no Mexican holiday to celebrate, why pass on the opportunity of featuring this rare bird as we were very lucky to find this one.
What best way to showcase the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26470OR.OO.A002CR.01 than to feature it along with one of the most amazing supercars out there. We are talking about the Ferrari F430 Scuderia. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore line in 42 mm unveiled at the SIHH 2014 as we presented it to you here, was slightly redesigned 20 years after its launch in 1993. Today, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore features beefier crown guards, ceramic crown and pushers, new dial options, straps with pin buckles and display case backs. Thankfully, the watch didn't lose much of its original essence and Audemars Piguet needs to be congratulated for that. We all know how bad it is when iconic watches get redesigned and they end up being so far from their original designs that they become a completely different timepiece.
Audemars Piguet is proud to announce Claude Emmenegger as new Creative Director after the sudden departure of Octavio Garcia after the SIHH 2015. Octavio had been the Chief Artistic Officer —Creative Director— at the manufacture from Le Brassus for more than a decade. Claude Emmenegger started his career with an interesting start at Longines followed by Gucci —where he created 23 collections including the G Watch—, to later join Audemars Piguet in 1999 and then leave in 2003 to launch his own horological consulting firm and work with more than 40 brands during 12 years. Passionate about complicated movements, horology and in constant pursuit of innovation and creativity, his main creations include the Tradition of Excellence models 2, 3 and 4. Not only do they combine design and technique, they also represent a new milestone for Claude in terms of approach, as case and movement are addressed simultaneously for a perfect fit.
There are watches and then there are what we like to call very special watches or grail timepieces. Therefore, today we bring you a truly unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721BA.OO.1000BA.03. This fascinating Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 18K yellow gold, is the first AP that NBA superstar LeBron James had ever owned. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this watch used to sit on LeBron James' wrist and today it sits in the watch collection of a very close and special friend of ours.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 18K yellow gold ref. 25721BA is not only a true grail timepiece for AP fans, but a beast of a watch weighing 398 grams/14 ounces —almost a whole pound of precious metal.
The new 'Pride of Indonesia' is an interesting addition to the other Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Prides'. The manufacture from Le Brassus just released last week, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Indonesia' ref. 26179IR.OO.A005CR.01. This new watch fitted with a 42 mm titanium case with the same construction as the original Royal Oak Offshore —not with the revamped case design unveiled during the SIHH 2014 with beefier crown guards and ceramic pushers and crown— with rubber clad pushers/crown and an 18K rose gold case back engraved with the legend "Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Indonesia" and Indonesia's national symbol the Javanese eagle Garuda —a large bird-like humanoid creature that appears in both Hinduism and Buddhi.
Today in Givrins, Switzerland at the Corinna Schumacher CS Ranch, Audemars Piguet unveiled the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher ref. 26221FT.OO.D002CA.01. The watch, was a true collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Michael Schumacher, taking five years to come to fruition after Schumacher challenged Audemars Piguet to create a watch with the ability to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times. In late 2010, F1 legend and Audemars Piguet ambassador Michael Schumacher posed an apparently simple question to the engineers at Audemars Piguet: would it be possible to create a mechanical wristwatch designed specifically for use in motorsport which would make it possible to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times?
2015 will be a rich year for Italy and it will be even more so for Milan, the host city for the World's Exhibition Expo 2015 taking place from May 1st thru October 31st. As a Tribute to Italy, Audemars Piguet presents the Royal Oak Chronograph Limited Edition ref. 26326ST.OO.D027CA.01 in a 500-piece limited edition. An occasion not to be missed, has been seized by the manufacture from Le Brassus, creating this special limited edition of the Royal Oak Chronograph in stainless steel. The Italian touch is found in the details, such as the indices on the 30-minute counter; which borrow the iconic green, red and white of the Italian flag. Other special features not to be missed include the case back that bears the engraving “Swiss Made Limited Edition” and a rubber strap that is truly unique. In fact, in the past, a Royal Oak Chronograph —the City of Sails limited edition created in 2002— was the only watch to feature this material on its strap.
Presented in 1972 as the first sports watch in stainless steel priced higher than most gold timepieces, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak made a statement immediately. A watch made for those that want the best and won't settle for less. A watch than can only be spotted by those that are in the know and a timepiece that after 40 years has remained true to its essence and core values.
These vintage advertisements are living testament of the launch and evolution of an iconic timepiece. Well thought out taglines and powerful images characterize these ads. Here, you will find fourteen of the most iconic and our favorite Royal Oaks advertisements of all-time —all the way from 1972 thru 1998.
Because "Some Things In Life Speak for Themselves" and the Royal Oak is "Known Only By Those Who Know", everyone knows now that "It Takes More than Money to Wear the Royal Oak".
Now, let's start enjoying the eye candy and the time machine.
As the 17th edition of the Festival del Habano in Cuba just wrapped up yesterday, we bring you the review of another amazing Habano paired with a perfect watch for the occasion. Ramón Allones is perhaps one of the most understated and underrated Cuban cigars, just like the wrist presence of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Rubber Clad in 18K rose gold. Just like with the 18K rose gold Rubber Clad, this amazing line of cigars doesn't scream 'look at me' like a Cohiba or a Montecristo; however, this brand is one of the biggest names in the history of Habanos, S.A. and one of the oldest in production since 1837.
After a long dreary overcast week in Milan —or Milano as we Italian speakers like to call it—, finally the clouds broke and the sun shone over the busy streets of the city and through the glass rooftop of the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. As we prepared to light up this fantastic cigar, we decided to go on a nice stroll down the Via Alessandro Manzoni all the way to the Via della Spiga.
A quick stop at this amazing boutique is all it takes to be in the presence of some of the most amazing timepieces recently unveiled at the SIHH 2015 by Audemars Piguet. The Audemars Piguet Boutique Milano is nested in one of the most upscale retail areas of the city right on Via Montenapoleone 6, next to Santoni and Camper —two of our favorite shoe brands.
Walking down from Via Manzoni where the Montenapoleone metro station is located —right next to the Armani Hotel—, makes for a nice walk surrounded by the splendor of high end clothing and watch boutiques. As soon as you arrive at the boutique, there are two AP brass plaques flanking the entrance. Even though the boutique is very small, there's no way you can miss the black awning with gold 'Audemars Piguet' on it. If you are coming from Giacomo Mattiotti you are just a block away. With a very inviting decor and a window display full of novelties from the SIHH 2015, including a white gold limited edition Royal Oak Offshore nicknamed 'Goliath', the boutique is awaiting you.
Following last year's theme, Audemars Piguet presented a slightly redesigned pavilion with a very sleek, modern, and minimalist design that revolves around the natural beauty of the Vallée de Joux. The pavilion included their now traditional sleek light wood displays, polygonal blocks, ultra modern furniture, rocks, inspiring images of the Vallée de Joux and several very senior watchmakers on duty including our good friend Francisco Pasandin —Conservateur Adjoint Expert en Horlogerie Ancienne.
At the pavilion, we were able to experience this year's novelties that included the amazing Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1, the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph, the Diamond Punk, the new ladies Millenary line, the Royal Oak Offshore Self-Winding Tourbillon Chronograph, the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver with Silver/White dial and the Royal Oak 'Two-Tone' amongst others.
Enjoy the mesmerizing sound of perfection. Being in the presence of what we can now refer to as the "glassiest and louder minute repeater we've listened to" since pocket watches, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Officially presented this week at the SIHH 2015, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 —Etude Acoustique No.1— is product of exceptional engineering but also years of research to create the most unique and superb minute repeater to date.
Being in the presence of what we can now refer to as the "glassier and louder minute repeater we've listened to" since pocket watches, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Officially presented this week at the SIHH 2015, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 —Etude Acoustique— is product of exceptional engineering but also years of research to create the most unique and superb minute repeater to date. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 —Etude Acoustique— is without doubt, one of the most innovative concept watches created by a Swiss haute horlogerie watchmaking house. The result of an in-depth eight year sound research program with three patents pending, this new Royal Oak Concept watch, a unique prototype, is not for sale at the moment. However, we envision Audemars Piguet releasing 'for sale' pieces moving forward.
Originally launched in 2012, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel quickly became one of the 'hottest' watches of 2012 and for sure the point of entry into Audemars Piguet for many. This week at the SIHH 2015, Audemars Piguet refreshed this model by adding a beautiful silver-tone dial —looks quite white depending on the light— to it as well as a display case back under ref. 15710ST.OO.A002CA.02.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver was originally launched as ref. 15703, but because is now fitted with a display case back —as it is the case for other iterations of the watch including the Black Ceramic model, White ceramic, Forged Carbon, QE Limited Edition— the new reference number for this watch is 15710. Also, please be aware of the fact that the ref. 15703 in stainless steel with solid case back has been discontinued and replaced by the ref. 15710ST.OO.A002CA.01 with black dial and display case back.
This week at the SIHH 2015, we were fortunate to finally peruse the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph fitted with an spectacular selfwinding movement. The new in-house calibre 2897 which has been especially developed to be the beating heart of this watch, is comprised of 335 parts. Fully visible via the display case back, this new movement is a true, micro mechanical work of art. Among the many revolutionary components used in this new calibre 2897, it stands out that the movement features a peripheral oscillating weight made from satin-brushed, 950 platinum. The calibre and its oscillating weight are also visible via a special aperture at the one o’clock position on the dial side as well as underneath the clear flange.
Ladies and gentleman, may we present the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400 in stainless steel and 18K rose gold. This novelty marks the return of one of our all-time favorite Royal Oaks phased out in the 1990s and originally launched under reference 5402SA as a 'Two-Tone' Royal Oak Jumbo in 1976. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 'Two-Tone' ref. 5402SA was only produced for a few years and only 951 were ever created. This new watch highly reminiscent of its predecessor will be available in 41 mm and in a 33 mm ladies size with diamond encrusted bezel. Later today, we will bring you more pictures and our full review with wristshot of this new timepiece.
Following the release of the other four Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Divers —stainless steel with black dial, forged carbon, black ceramic and white ceramic—, the Manufacture that turns 140 this year is releasing the Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel now with a striking white dial and a display case back. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel with black dial, like all its counterparts, will now be fitted with a display case back moving forward.
