Audemars Piguet

I am from Shanghai where there's a sizable watch collecting community, both of mainstream high-end brands (PP,AP,RM,Rolex, VC) as well as more niche tastes (Roger Dubuis, Lange, Parmigiani, etc). Being a former RM and AP collector myself (having offloaded a few lately), have been kind of feeling around for something new that fits the large 3D wrist-presence sort of taste, and it's been difficult so far.

Last week, I found myself at a local watch auction and encountered three AP Concepts, which frankly haven't really been able to encounter in the boutique nor second-hand watch dealers that often. I liked them so much that ultimately made a hard decision to pull the trigger on all 3. Thought would share my appreciation for the beauty and craft of these 3 peices here:

1. AP Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon GMT 2014

This watch is less-popular than its white ceramic version counterpart, but in my opinion feels more refined, less in-your-face, and even a bit low-key. The black brushed ceramic bezel combined with the semi-openworked black dial really shines. The sandblasted titanium case gives the entire watch a nice texture contrast.

2. AP Royal Oak Concept Schumacher Laptimer

This probably needs no introduction and is a beast of a watch - it will feel substantially bigger than the standard Royal Oak Concept due to the horizontal extensions on both sides, not to mention noticeably thicker. The laptimer will most likely not be suitable for small wrists, although given its size and the movement complications (which is amazing by the way) is not heavy at all. Its openworked dial is unlike any other AP, as it features skeleton-like characteristics but is sporty at the same time. The curvature on the sapphire crystal adds an extra flavor to this watch - at certain angles it almost has a magifying effect, with a blue tint of anti-reflective coating when a light is shined on top (different from other APs). The chronograph pushers and crown being rose gold add another level of flavor to this watch. And last but not least - the laptimer + flyback chrono functionality adds extra fun to this watch, not to mention a remarkable technical feat by AP and a joy to look at through caseback crystal.

3. AP Royal Oak Concept Carbon Tourbillon

This peice probably needs no introduction to most either, being one of the earliest AP concepts to come into production - and in my opinion, the biggest heavy-hitter/grail watch of these three. The avant-garde design is way ahead of its time, and the two vertical metallic bridges are the most noticeable design feature. The watch is EXTREMELY comfortable to wear, and is the lightest of the three. I have mine on a white strap as the original black leather strap wasn't available with the purchase (went to the boutique and ordered it, takes 1 month to ship). The red power reserve bar on top of the dial is a great feature, and lets you know when the 10-day power reserve will be depleted. Winding the watch is a treat, and is some of the smoothest winding mechanisms I've handled. The watch  The caseback is very interesting (though not pictured here), it has the mechanical grooves and back of the tourbillon up against a green plate, which looks quite unconventional and like a circuit board. 

Hope everyone enjoyed the pics and the brief reviews, feel free to ask any questions!

Cheers,

Hackworth

More posts: Laptimer Michael SchumacherOpenworkedRoyal OakRoyal Oak Concept

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