If you are an avid reader of WCL, then you already know we love great fragrances and especially those that are mode under the radar. From Creed and Penhaligon’s to Diptyque, Frédéric Malle, and everything in between, we are always in constant search for the ultimate scent to pair with our watches. Byredo and its most iconic scent Bibliothèque is our latest find and a new favorite here at WCL.
Posts tagged #Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Experience: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky. Honoring the Father of Japanese Whiskymaking.
Tracing the footsteps of its founder, the father of Japanese whisky Masataka Taketsuru, the Japanese Nikka Whisky distillery brings the Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky as a homage to this great visionary. In 1918, Taketsuru went by himself to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making, becoming the first Japanese ever to master this complex art. After enrolling at the University of Glasgow and taking chemistry courses, he apprenticed at three Scotch distilleries. Upon returning to Japan, Kotobukiya Limited —what is today Suntory Distilleries— hired him to build the Yamazaki distillery as he was the only Japanese who knew how to produce whisky at the time.
Experience: Merry Christmas with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300
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 to wish each and every one 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.
Eye Candy: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ref. 15407ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked ref. 15407 is without a doubt one of the top watch grails to own when it comes to AP and in general. With a case measuring 41 mm and 5.51 mm in thickness, its movement tackles the stabilizing issues by fixing a second balance wheel and balance-spring assembly on the same axis. The new patented geometry involves a very complex manufacturing procedure, but the payoff is huge by having greatly improved precision and stability. Fitted with a slate grey open-worked dial with white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating, this watch is truly a stunner.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon Platinum ref. 26516PT with Baguette-Cut Diamond Bezel. Hands-on Review.
Amongst other fifteen references of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon which include: stainless steel, 18K rose gold, the Westime Edition —with or without diamonds—, 18K yellow gold, imited edition openworked in platinum and in 18K yellow gold, platinum and titanium reference 26510PT in platinum, frosted gold and the new models with the ‘Evolutive’ tapisserie dials, comes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon diamond-set platinum model ref. 26516PT.ZZ.1220PT.01 with a bezel featuring with 32 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 3.04 carats. Yet another one of those AP grails for those in love with diamonds.
Rare Bird: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Westime Special Edition ref. 26515OR. One of the Nicest Dials Ever Done by AP.
Released without much fanfare and as understated as it gets, comes the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Westime Special Edition. This rare bird in a limited edition of only 25 pieces is dedicated to U.S. watch retailer Westime, a longtime AP partner. Featuring an 18K pink gold case that is fully harmonized by the salmon pink gold-toned dial this watch is sublime, exceptional and elegant. The Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Westime Special Edition we have here is as special as all other Royal Oak tourbillons and almost as rare as the Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon 25th Anniversary ref. 25831 because of its limitation.
Experience: Céline Radical Sunglasses. Timeless and Classic Looking Like a Stainless Steel Royal Oak.
Don't be fooled by the word radical in their name, this royal blue Céline unisex shades look as classic and timeless as a stainless steel AP Royal Oak on the wrist. The late 60s inspired blue frames along with the smoky brown perfectly flat lenses and the triple-dot golden accents will make you like like Marcello Mastroianni hanging out around Lake Como. While black or brown —tortoise— frames are typically the most popular and common way to go when looking for sunglasses that match every outfit and every occasion, the same could be said about the king of all colors.
Experience: Art Basel Miami Beach with the Audemars Piguet Art Commission. When Watches, Artwork and Parties Intertwine with Slow Moving Luminaries.
Last week, we had the pleasure to join our friends at Audemars Piguet during their third year in a row as participants of at Art Basel Miami Beach. For those of you not quite familiar with this international event, this is one of the most renowned art fairs in the world with three shows staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. Art Basel showcases contemporary artworks by established and emerging artists.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon Platinum ref. 26510PT. Hands-on with a 309-gram Platinum Grail of All Grails.
Stunning, exceptional and very rare, are some of the words that come to mind when thinking about what we think is the perfect tourbillon for daily wear. The first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon was released in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak and in 2012 the Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon was released to celebrate the Royal Oak's 40th birthday.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone Sells for $41,000 USD at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction FOUR to Set a Record for Two-Tone Royal Oaks.
Setting a new high for any Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone sold at auction, yesterday Sunday November 13, 2016, a highly attractive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Two-Tone —18K yellow gold and stainless steel— reference 25402SA sold for $41,000 USD —including buyer's premium— at the Phillips Geneva Watch Auction FOUR.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 15202OR. Hands-on with a Grail of All Grails.
For many, owning an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' in stainless steel is a milestone in their watch collecting life; however, for those of us that off-that, adding the 18K rose gold model to the collection is simply acquiring the grail of all grails. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 15202 is the closest one can get to owning a Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402ST from 1972 in terms of wearability, size and looks.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon ref. 26510OR. Hands-on with Our Favorite Tourbillon in the Market.
Sublime, exceptional and elegant, are the words we like to use to describe what we consider to be the 'our favorite Tourbillon in the market'. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon has a very rich history within Audemars Piguet. The first Royal Oak Tourbillon was released in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak and its name the Royal Oak Jubilee. Then in 1997, one of the most unique and rare Royal Oaks ever made was presented by Audemars Piguet. We are talking about the Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon 25th Anniversary ref. 25831 of which only 5 pieces were ever made in 18K rose gold to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak as we featured it here. This exceptional limited edition watch was produced in very limited quantities in stainless steel —only 25 pieces—, 18K yellow gold —5 pieces—, 950 platinum —5 with blue dial and 5 with salmon dial— and it is the only Royal Oak Tourbillon fitted with an automatic calibre up to date.
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!
Experience: 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15300ST. A Perfect Combo of the Good Life.
A Ferrari 330 GTC is as iconic in the 'Cavallino Rampante' history as it is the Royal Oak in the history of Audemars Piguet. The Ferrari 330 GTC Berlinetta was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1965 as a two-seater coupé designed by iconic car designer Pininfarina. Produced for a short period of two years between 1966 and 1968, the 330 GTC quickly turned into a popular Ferrari for those seeking for a quieter and smoother ride. It has been stated that this "was probably the first Ferrari in which you could actually enjoy a radio". This fascinating Ferrari 330 GTC of which only 598 cars were ever made is as mint and pristine as it gets, just like the discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300ST on our wrist.
This 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC in one of our favorite colors the 'Nocciola Metallizzato' —metallic hazelnut– is a successor to the Ferrari 250GT and 275 GTS sharing the short wheelbase of the 275 as well as its independent rear suspension. Equipped with a 12-cylynder engine this 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC is one of the most iconic automobiles we have ever featured here.
Experience: DeLorean DMC-12 with a Stainless Steel Satin Brushed Body Just as Good as that on an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
If you were a tween or a teenager in the early 80s, you probably dreamed of owning a DeLorean and feeling just like Marty McFly while traveling in time in the 1985 blockbuster movie 'Back to the Future' directed by Robert Zemeckis. The DeLorean DMC-12 by DeLorean Motor Company marked an era like very few other automobiles had and remained engrained in our minds like one of those dreams that you want to dream over and over again. With its futuristic design, fitted with a stainless steel satin brushed finish body —fiberglass underneath— and its iconic gull-wing doors, the DeLorean broke the rules of car design, but unlike the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, DMC didn't master the rules before breaking them. The DeLorean DMC-12 was manufactured only for a very brief period of time by John DeLorean's DeLorean Motor Company between 1981 and 1982 in a small town southwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Now, one thing that can be comparable between the DeLorean DMC-12 and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the satin brushed finish on their stainless steel.
Experience: Puerto Madero. A Great Argentinean Restaurant in Mexico.
We are suckers for Argentinean steakhouses and we know a lot about them. We are lucky to have been to some of the best ones in Buenos Aires, New York City, and Mexico City. This time we stopped by 'Puerto Madero', a relatively newer place —considering the decades that others have been around in Mexico City— that was launched as a fierce competitor to other very popular Argentinean steakhouse names like 'El Rincón Argentino' and 'Cambalache'. 'El Rincón Argentino' was opened in the 80s by Juan Carlos Malazzo, a former soccer player for the Argentinean team River Plate a.k.a. 'Los Millonarios de River' —the millionaires from River. 'Cambalache' was partially owned by the now-deceased Argentinean actor and wrestler Wolf Ruvinskis.
'Puerto Madero' opened its first location in the upscale Mexico City neighborhood of 'Polanco' on 'Presidente Mazaryk' Avenue —the equivalent to Madison Ave. in NYC, Orchard Street in Singapore, or Bond Street in London— and after a successful launch, made its way to other areas and cities throughout Mexico and now it even has a location in Miami, Florida under the PM name. Its name was taken from the popular 'Puerto Madero' waterfront in the city of Buenos Aires right on the banks of the 'Río de la Plata' river. The 'Puerto Madero' waterfront is one of the best examples of the latest architectural trends in the capital city of Argentina.
This time we decided to have lunch at the one located in Cancun, Quintana Roo. The 'Puerto Madero' is one of the preferred places for watchlifestylers enjoying the good life. During our lunch, we spotted a great selection of watches that included several Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks, Offshores, a few Hublots, and a handful of Rolexes.
As we walked into the restaurant ,we were greeted by the grilling rooms and one of the best stocked bars in the city. The grills are really amazing as the cooking grids are suspended in the air and held by chains fitted with a mechanism that allows the grill masters to lift or lower the meats as desired depending on the cooking temperature that is required.
Once we got to our table, we noticed the beautiful design touches on the perfectly white chairs where the backrests feature the names of the most important family owned wineries in Argentina.
After sitting down, we ordered a few beers, appetizers and wine. The selection included an amazing Octopus Carpaccio, a 'Provoleta' —grilled provolone cheese with olive oil and herbs— and a few 'Empanadas Argentinas' —Argentinean style turnovers filled with meat. Immediately thereafter, we started talking about watches and the good life.
Along with our appetizers, a bottle of delicious Argentinean 'Saurus Select 2009' arrived to our table. 'Saurus Select' is a Malbec wine produced and bottled in the province of Neuquen in the Patagonia region of Argentina by the renowned Bodega Familia Schroeder. An oaky, full-bodied wine that is a perfect pairing for Argentinean steaks.
While we talked about the latest watches presented at Baselworld 2013 and each of our wish lists, we decided to order the main course. Of course, we ordered one of the most popular Argentinean steaks, 'Bife de Chorizo' —an over-sized New York Strip. Along with it, the traditional 'Papas Souffle' —souffle fries— that are a staple at this place. These fries are fried at different temperatures making them extra crunchy on the outside but soft and full of air as a 'souffle' on the inside—a culinary work of art. The basket in which they are served is also made of fried potatoes and fully edible.
As we finished our meal, we decided to move out to the gorgeous terrace overlooking the 'Nichupte' lagoon to enjoy our dessert, cigars and Port. For dessert, a delicious cheese blintze topped with berries and a house made 'Alfajor' with tons of 'Dulce de Leche'. This time, we smoked Sir Winston Churchill's favorite brand, Romeo y Julieta straight from Habana, Cuba.
As we finished our desserts, sipped our Ports and smoked our cigars, another story of the good life came to an end. Another day in the life of watchlifestylers.
Health, watches, amazing food, fantastic wines and the best Habanos. The only other thing we could ask for in this life is to live a long existence. Watchlifestylers remember, this moment is your life.
For more info on 'Puerto Madero' restaurants click here.
Experience: Alfajores Cachafaz. Two Classics Meet for Coffee and Dessert.
It's been a long time since we've met with Gonzalo for some coffee and 'alfajores'. Gonzalo is a watchlifestyler and close friend from Argentina. On his last visit to Chicago, he stopped by for an espresso and brought with him some delicious 'alfajores' from his home country. We were expecting 'alfajores' Havanna but he surprised us with Cachafaz. After asking him what had happened to the traditional 'alfajores' Havanna he always brings along, he said, "Cachafaz is now my favorite brand. Just like with watches, taste evolves over time".
'Alfajores' are a very typical dessert in Uruguay and Argentina. An 'alfajor' consists of two round, sweet biscuits joined together with 'dulce de leche' and coated with dark chocolate or white chocolate. There is also a variation called 'alfajor de nieve' that has a coating consisting of a mixture of egg whites and sugar.
Gonzalo started his watch collecting life approximately fifteen years ago after he left Buenos Aires and relocated to South Florida. This time he was wearing a classic Rolex Datejust ref. 116200. The watch on our wrist that day was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400.
As we sipped our espressos and shared a few 'alfajores', we just couldn't stop talking about watches and the good life. Nothing like sharing foods that bring memories from our younger years in the company of good friends and classic watches.
For more info on Cachafaz click here.
Experience: Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3. Right Hue of Blue Matching Our Royal Oak.
The Salvatore Ferragamo Amos 3 shoes are the perfect balance between a casual and dressy shoe. Fitted with tassels —very trendy this season after being long gone for more than a decade— , these lambskin suede shoes are comfortable, classy and ready to make a statement on your next yacht or sailboat ride. Additionally, their color matches the blue dial on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 perfectly. A match made in heaven.
Salvatore Ferragamo launched its shoe company back in the early 1900s. Salvatore made his first pair of shoes at age nine for his sisters to wear at their church confirmation. After studying the art of shoemaking in Napoli, he opened a small shoe store in his parent's home. In 1914, he moved to Boston —where one of his brothers worked at a cowboy boot factory— and then to Santa Barbara, California in 1919 to open his own boot shop, quickly becoming the 'Shoemaker to the Stars'.
In 1927, he moved back to Firenze, Italy and established the company as we know it today. Ferragamo is still a family owned business and is one of the most renowned luxurious shoemakers in the world. A synonym of comfort, design and luxury.
The Amos 3 shoes are richly colored loafers in decadent lambskin suede and adorned with front tassels. The shoes are fitted with a combination of leather and rubber soles and a boat shoe lace with grommet accents as a finishing touch. Sticker Price $495.
The shoes are perfect for boating or just relaxing 'al fresco', especially in the company of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with blue dial. For more info click here.
Baselworld: A Typical Day in Pictures. Commuting From Zürich to Basel.
These pictures will show you what our typical day attending Baselworld looked like. Since we were staying at the fabulous Park Hyatt Hotel in Zürich, we had to commute to Basel everyday. We did this daily for almost a whole week.
Now, it's your turn to experience the journey and pretend you were there with us.
Getting ready to leave our hotel on Press Day, April 24th, 2013.
Our companion for the day. Discontinued Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300 with blue dial.
Taking the ZVV Tram at the Stockerstrasse stop.
Street view on Banhofstrasse and Paradeplatz from the tram. Heading to the Banhofplatz to take our train to Basel.
Watch stores on the way to the train station on Banhofstrasse.
Türler, one of the biggest authorized watch dealers in Switzerland.
Banhofplatz, the train station.
Checking the timetable for the next train to Basel. 14:34 Departure. We are right on time.
One of the famous Mondaine clocks at the train station. All train stations in Switzerland are stocked with Mondaine clocks.
Time for some caffeine. We are slightly jet lagged but excited about Baselworld. Segafredo, one of our favorite coffees.
We have boarded our train and getting ready to leave. We will be in Basel in 51 minutes.
The Swiss landscapes. Relaxing and comforting.
We have arrived at Basel's train station.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15300. Time check, 15:30.
Basel's train station. We were greeted by a Hamilton small airplane hanging from the roof, heavy watch advertising and the blue colors of Baselworld.
Time to get on the tram to the Messeplatz/Exhibition Square. We are 10 minutes away.
The street view from the tram. We are one stop away.
We have arrived at our destination. Baselworld 2013, here we come.
Baselworld's Exhibition Hall.
The entrance. Quite empty as it is Press day. The next day was very crowded as expected.
Baselworld: Arrival at Zürich. BaselWorld Opens Tomorrow.
After our connection in Amsterdam we have finally made it to Zürich. We have checked into the Park Hyatt and have already switched watches for the day. Heading to Basel in a little bit. Tomorrow, the big day!
