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.
Posts filed under Audemars Piguet
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1. Live Pictures of the Loudest Minute Repeater, Tourbillon Chronograph.
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.
SIHH 2015: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Silver-Tone White Dial ref. 15710. SIHH 2015 Live Pictures and Pricing.
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.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.
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.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400SR 'Two-Tone'. The Return of Our Favorite Royal Oak. Live Pics and Pricing.
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.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in Stainless Steel with White Dial and Display Case Back. Live Pics and Pricing.
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.
News: Audemars Piguet Opens Boutique at the Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas. A Partnership with Westime.
Audemars Piguet announces the arrival of its third boutique in the United States with the opening of an elegant new location at The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 1,270-square-foot boutique, situated on the first floor between Tom Ford and Louis Vuitton stores showcases an original concept design that captures the 140-year old brand’s core values: origins, artistry and extraordinary relationships.
The new boutique in Las Vegas is the newest project developed between Westime and Audemars Piguet, a partnership that dates back to 1994. “We are proud to further reinforce our relationship with Westime through the opening of the Audemars Piguet boutique at The Shops at Crystals. Las Vegas has always been an exciting market for Audemars Piguet and with the new boutique we are better able to present the brand’s complete collection offering while reaching one of the most diverse international audiences," explained Xavier Nolot, CEO of Audemars Piguet North America.
Experience: Merry Christmas to Each and Everyone of You. A Collection of Christmas Inspired Images with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Most people outside of the U.S. in Europe and Latin America celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Since we also share the tradition of celebrating on Christmas Eve, we decided to prepare a small collection of Christmas inspired images today, to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas. May you and your families be blessed with health and may all your dreams come true.
Hopefully your Christmas tree is keeping one of these Royal Oaks nice and warm inside a gift box for tomorrow morning.
Enjoy!
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon Titanium. Up to Par and Almost as Pricey as a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept was first launched in 2002 as ref. 25980AI.OO.0003SU.01 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Royal Oak in a limited edition of 150 pieces. That first Royal Oak Concept, was fitted with an ultra rare sculpted-shaped case made of Alacrite 602 with a hardness of 430 vickers and a titanium bezel. The Alacrite 602 is a super-alloy composed of 57% cobalt, 31% chrome, 5% tungsten and the remaining 6% of carbon, silicon and iron.
While the first Royal Oak Concept did feature a tourbillon, it didn't come with a GMT function. Alternatively, it was equipped with a dynamograph, a power reserve indicator showing the number of turns of the barrel and a Kevlar aramid fiber strap.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Millenary Minute Repeater in Pink Gold. A Noble Horological Complication.
The Audemars Piguet Millenary Minute Repeater ref. 26371OR.OO.D803CR.01 in pink gold —presented at the Watches and Wonders Salon in Hong Kong last year— is fitted with an 18K pink gold oval shaped case —measuring 47mm in diameter and 15.79mm in thickness— with enamel off-centered hour/minute dial at 3, an off-centered seconds sub-dial at 7 and minute repeater lever at 9 o'clock. This Millenary Minute Repeater features the Audemars Piguet Direct-Impulse Escapement and a flat double balance-spring.
The beautiful white enamel dial features Roman numerals with blued hands and the finely tuned blued steel gong is fully visible around the circumference of the face of the watch. A perfectly balanced dial with very intricate and nicely finished touches.
News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1. A Water-Resistant Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph.
Exceptional engineering and the power of sound merge in 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, will be unveiled by Audemars Piguet at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2015 —SIHH— in Geneva. We will bring you live images once we get to see this watch in the metal at the SIHH during the week of January 19th, 2015.
Engineered within Audemars Piguet’s acoustic research lab, this new Royal Oak Concept is the first chiming watch so acoustically considered as to become a sound concept in its own right. It has been sonically developed through an ongoing acoustic study program in collaboration with the EPFL —Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne— and it took three years to transfer that technological study into a watch concept.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 26300. Celebrating 16 Years of a True Royal Oak Essential.
After 16 years, the Royal Oak Chronograph remains a classic in the Royal Oak line-up and a watch that demands admiration. Therefore, we have decided to work on a special review of this amazing reference.
The first Royal Oak Chronograph ref. 25860 was launched in 1998 equipped with calibre 2385, an automatic chronograph movement based off of the legendary Frederic Piguet calibre 1185 also used on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph —as caliber 1137— and the Breguet Marine Chronograph —as calibre 576— amongst other timepieces. This movement still remains the thinnest automatic chronograph calibre ever made, measuring only 5.5mm in thickness. The movement is composed of 304 parts, beats at 21,600 vph, is fitted with 37 jewels and provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound. The same calibre is fitted in the Royal Oak City of Sails for Alinghi, the Leo Messi limited edition and is also used as a module on the Royal Oak Grande Complication.
Experience: Cohiba Maduro 5 Mágicos. Just Like the Royal Oak, It Takes More than Money to Smoke One.
Just like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 5402SA, when it comes to cigars, Cohiba is a name that needs very little introduction. Savvy watchlifestylers already know that Cohiba stands for the highest quality in fine cigar making and the flagship brand of Habanos from Cuba.
Created in 1966 for Fidel Castro and handmade at the world famous 'El Laguito' factory, these cigars were originally only seen outside of the island when presented as gifts to heads of state or dignitaries throughout the world. Additionally, Cohiba is a brand with a very limited production of cigars per year making it even more exclusive.
The Cohiba name has its origins from the the ancient 'Taino' language word that was used to refer to bunches of tobacco leaves. 'Taino' is the language used by the Taino Indians that populated the islands of the Caribbean before the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James Limited Edition. A Collection of Live Close-ups and Wrist Shots.
Last year we reported live from Miami during the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James launch party and we presented you images of the new watch inside the showcase.
This time, we are bringing you some very personal and closeup images of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James limited edition ref. 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01 that we took last year while attending the SIAR in Mexico City.
As it is customary with our insider reviews, we have now included the mandatory wrist shot for your viewing pleasure. Now, please enjoy the eye candy!
News: Presenting the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Tourbillon Chronograph. A Masterpiece of Horology.
It was in 1993 that Audemars Piguet launched the Royal Oak Offshore. A natural evolution of the Royal Oak launched in 1972, the supersized 'Offshore' was large, bold, rugged and highly functional. Genta’s original Royal Oak was the definitive source of reference and inspiration for the Royal Oak Offshore designed by a talented, young, second generation designer working for Audemars Piguet named Emmanuel Gueit. The new design diverged from the original in several significant ways that came to be the defining characteristics of the Royal Oak Offshore. The most pronounced shift was the dramatic case size of 42 mm. While this is standard fare in 2014, it was a shock when introduced in 1993 at Baselworld. By this time, the watch had already been nicknamed, ‘The Beast’ due to its staggering proportions.
Experience: The Audemars Piguet Museum. An Unforgettable Afternoon in Le Brassus.
A while back, while we were in Switzerland, we had the opportunity to visit the Audemars Piguet Museum in Le Brassus, a lifetime experience for any Audemars Piguet watchlifestyler.
Our appointment at the museum was scheduled for 1:30pm on a gloomy Friday. Considering that we were staying in Zürich and the drive to Le Brassus is almost three hours long, we knew we had to be on the road by 10 o'clock in order to be there on time. Here's a picture while we were getting ready to go pick up our car, right before breakfast time. This classic Hermès belt has been worn along with several Audemars Piguet Jumbos in the collection since the 90s.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 26288. One of Our Favorite Tourbillons in The Market.
This time we are talking about one of our favorite tourbillons in the market, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 26288OF.OO.D002CR.01. 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.
This robust timepiece featuring a tourbillon, also features an integrated column wheel 30-minute chronograph —quite a complication. This watch is fitted with an 18K pink gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 16.60 mm in thickness, an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, an anti-reflective coated display case back, a forged carbon bezel, a black ceramic screw-down crown and black ceramic chrono pushers.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400. The Largest Royal Oak Ever Made.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400 is the largest Royal Oak ever made with an over-sized case with a diameter of 41 mm. This fantastic reference —also available in rose gold— is a clear result of the continuous evolution of the Royal Oak and the manufacture's constant forward thinking.
Since its launch in 1972, the Royal Oak has gone through several design modifications including at least 12 references in 39mm, 12 in 36mm, 15 in 33 mm and even a rectangular Royal Oak ref. 6005. Today, the Royal Oak continues to embrace its core values just like it did 40 years ago regardless of its size. For some Royal Oak purists, bigger means betraying the original Jumbo. We have to admit that it took us a good year and months to come around; however, we can say with confidence that ref. 15400 is just as good.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 15202ST. Almost Like the Original Jumbo From 1972.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01 is as close as you would get nowadays to the feeling of owning the iconic Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402ST from 1972. While this redesigned Jumbo maintains the sleek lines of the other Jumbos and most of the core elements present in the ref. 5402, there are subtle differences that are worth discussing.
The new Jumbo, referred to as Extra-Thin by Audemars Piguet, is fitted with a sapphire crystal display case back just like the previous Jumbo ref. 15202. The original Jumbo 5402 from 1972 featured a unique monoblock case design, making it even thinner and more sleek.
Macros: Audemars Piguet Calibre 3120. One of the Greatest Movements Ever Made.
The Audemars Piguet calibre 3120 is now considered one of the greatest automatic movements ever made. Fitted on several models across the Royal Oak collection— including the discontinued ref. 15300, the recently launched ref. 15400 and the Royal Oak Offshore Diver amongst others—, calibre 3120 is a work of art and truly one of the nicest movements you can find out there. Not to mention that is also extremely accurate.
This beautiful and precise calibre, is fully decorated with Côtes de Genève on all bridges and comes with a stunning bi-directional 22k gold rotor. The rotor features the coats of arms for the Audemars and Piguet families, all done with immaculate attention to detail.
