ThomasM
[PuristS]
14331
A case for cold fusion...
I recall a recent, somewhat one sided exchange on the internet about "complicated cases."
If ever a watch case could be called "complicated" this is it.
As is well known by now, the Grand Prix is available in three basic materials (even though there are other important materials used throughout the three variants such as blasted titanium; ceramic; et al) -
Carbon Forge;
Pink Gold;
Platinum
The "case in pink gold, a noble material, makes a striking contrast with the forged carbon and black ceramic bezel, as well as with the left side of the case middle and its forged carbon element designed like a ventilation duct."
"It also contrasts with the carbon pushpiece guards, which further exemplify the meticulous detailing on this model. Instead of being straightforward rectangles, the latter feature clean-cut high-tech edges and are applied to the case by four visible screws as well as hollowed on the side so as to house the pushpieces which are themselves composed of two parts: a black polished ceramic base and a pink gold contact surface. "
The use of bead-blasted titanium for the formed and shaped pusher guards is a fantastic high tech hi-mech visual feast, to these jaded old eyes.
Does it all work? Do the parts all come together to form a whole greater than the sum of the parts?
That is up to each individual reader, but I can tell you this - if I had one of these:
I'd be one of the first in line for one of these
ps: wondering what inspired these?
maybe this
or this
Now that everyone has seen the new Grand Prix range in all its glory
how about a little in depth analysis of the design elements? The colors of the dial are what immediately capture the eyes of most observers - Why red? Why yellow? Here are a few reasons: "A Purist does not believe in gilt by association. Respect, AND disd...
The Bezel
The inspiration for the bezel design is obvious to any high performance car enthusiast: Modern ventilated disc brakes are a thing of beauty to gear heads and motor heads... The "bezel is a two piece design, with a forged carbon upper part and a lower ring...
Is this Calibre: 3126/3840 selfwinding...
...the same as that in all the other Offshores? If it is (and I believe it is) I think that is the difference between this watch and the cars you feature in those photographs. Ferraris, Lambos...all have motors inside which are as impecable and advanced t...
The movement is basically the same as in
The other Offshore chronographs using the 3126/3840. The base movement is NOT the same as the original Offshore chronographs which used the 2126/2226/2326 base, and the 3840 chrono module is a revised and updated evolution of the earlier chrono module. As...
It is the old debate...
...between integrated and modular complications. That debate may be unanswered, as you say. Or it just may be that you don't like the answer out there... ;-)
I'd love to read "the answer"
Hi, Sanro, I am always open to be "enlightened." I hate "dogma" - "ceramic is the perfect bezel material" - BS. Anyone who has ever hit a bezel hard enough against another hard surface, worse a POINTED hard surface, will scream in pain as their "imperviou...
Just to be clear -
intellectually and "in the abstract" I prefer the "engineering elegance" of integrated designs - purpose built, specialized. Practically I see very well and respect the "practical elegance" of modular designs. To say one is "superior" to the other in all ...
The Crown
"The crown evokes a gear" with a "red accent that appears on the crown adorned with an eloxed aluminium cartridge. The crown deserves a closer look due to its sophisticated edging and its openworked design providing glimpses of red a colour that also appe...
Australian engineering...
They make some astounding transmissions...I've visited their workshop over here in outer Melbourne...great place with some ferocious cars.
The Dial, part 1
There is a lot going on; no doubt. Does it all come together as an integrated whole, or do the individual elements clash, resulting in a whole that is less than the sum of its parts? That's what's great about art and design - everyone can decide for thems...
The Dial, part 2
"the red dial a central eloxed aluminium plate adorned with the Méga Tapisserie motif characteristic of the Royal Oak Offshore line. The pattern has however been specially revisited for this limited edition by means of a negative-printed design that creat...
The Dial, part 3
"The floating flange stands out because of its bronze colour reminiscent of the magnesium alloy wheel rims on a racing car." The flange ring is indeed a standout; what is so interesting about it, besides the unusual color - it almost seems a bronze gold -...
A case for negative space...
and forged carbon: I had a chance to speak with the design team as recently as October (and several times before that) on recent design "priorities." They mentioned that they really like to play with "negative space" these days. "Why" "Because it is harde...
Really looking forward to seeing this piece in person!
Great job on design and execution by AP. Thanks for the awesome pics TM! -MW
I caught that detail.
I wondered why the recess was not repeated on the upper left part of the case, but I think the way everything slopes the same direction it would not look as good with the deepest part of the taper essentially coming to a point (if employed on the upper pa...
Interesting point, Michael.
What do you think, as a designer yourself, of the other elements and their inspiration? Cheers, TM
I am very impressed in those regards.
I remember my comments about the Alinghi Team Chronograph when it launched. A polarizing piece, but one point that could never be argued was AP's exploration of the event for which they created the piece, and the subsequent attention to details that make ...
Thanks, Michael, interesting comments.
great food for thought, and I agree, AP wisely does not design "for everyone." Thanks, TM
My pleasure, sorry for my recent silence...
Although nobody seems to be complaining!! LOL. Just been crazy busy with a family event and my slow moving remodel. I'm quite impressed with the new offerings, specifically the new skeletal Royal Oaks. The Diver is a fantastic sports watch that should be ...
FCB
the forged carbon fibre has improved since the early days of the TA. is the GP's forged carbon any different from my bumblebee?? btw, very insightful...the relation between car n watch. more often then not, one just think its some marketing gimmick. in yo...
AP is constantly studying ways to improve...
Hi, "the forged carbon fibre has improved since the early days of the TA. is the GP's forged carbon any different from my bumblebee??" I know they have changed the mix of carbon fiber and filament vis a vis epoxy binder (in metals, the "alloy") since the ...
totful
sadly, you are talking to a RM11 and a BRM 54 owner. for APROOs, now only bumblebee and las vegas. also have a Maserati millinery. i was once easily excited by car inspired or motor brand related, but it got to a stage whereby even the slightest motor spo...
why sadly?
Hi, Nice collection, nice pieces. I know Richard Mille himself is seriously into cars and car racing, so it's not just pure money and profit driven for RM. I believe BRM, from what I've heard, is same. I understand the temptation towards cynicism; I've ex...
After seeing the different metal in real life...
Which combination did you choose personally (esp. between the RG and the all carbon)?
This is a very personal preference thing.
When I was shown the Alinghi Team prototype in rose gold and FC, my immediate comment was, "it doesn't go far enough." The next day I was shown the all carbon. "Now that's what I'm talking about." While I feel the same way about the Grand Prix, the design...
Thank you for this series...
...of great posts about the new Grand Prix, TM! I have an abiding respect for AP, and am very drawn to the RO in particular. While the Grand Prix is perhaps too brutal and testosterone-filled for me, those macro shots reveal an artful watch with a purpose...
Ah, Forged Carbon...
Thomas, I'm not going to repeat my opinion on the material technology side of that substance, but this: "The result is a shimmering effect and a silky feel, clear-cut edges and a sturdy yet ultra-light case-middle" is a good enough reason for me (especial...
A case for cold fusion...
I recall a recent, somewhat one sided exchange on the internet about "complicated cases." If ever a watch case could be called "complicated" this is it. As is well known by now, the Grand Prix is available in three basic materials (even though there are o...
Incredibly stunning.
The amount of work on detail on this watch leaves me speechless. Thomas, thanks so much for sharing all the information and of course great pics.
its...
as cool as this design & as delicious as that dial But the carbon steel... somehow it looks mushy at the edges, for example the vents on the bezel and joint to the pushers. Is it because of lighting on the marble or!? cheers, Ed~ This message has been edi...
very interesting metaphors! LOL! Maybe that's why...
Anthony suggested "Voltron!" re: the "mushiness" - I believe it's a combination of both the lighting, the material "surface" look itself, and the fact that these are prototypes/pre-production. (this last is often why brands DON'T like pictures to be taken...
Voltron of course on colour elements!
Thx for the information on the carbon steel, it is very interesting knowing its property as easy to open holes but not machining; reminding me of HW's Zalium which i remembered to be flamable and found exciting imagining it be utilized in extreme cases wh...
hmmmm...not sure if there is a miscommunication...
The black "marbled" material is carbon forge (accent over the e, or "forged carbon" if translated to English) - a process described in the section below on the case material. I believe there is also past feature posts on the process and equipment used to ...
carelessness on my part
Carbon forge i meant for the black marble :p i think i have seem both on different occasions and each has its charm, so long as they r no mushiness with the production pieces i ll be happy with either the black marble or the black silk thanks for the clar...
Thanks for digging those up!
Hi Pau, I had thought about the Reventon, but I couldn't find any pictures in my photo galleries that featured the rear radiator vents as well as those picture you found. And of course, that is exactly what the designers had in mind - extractors, not inta...
Full specifications
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix Collection References 26290IO.OO.A001VE.01 Forged carbon case, forged carbon and black ceramic bezel, blackened titanium crown, black ceramic and titanium pushpieces, titanium pushpiece guards, titani...
Looks Great!
Thank you for the comprehensive report on the new Grand Prix Royal Oak series. The comparison photographs to motorsports attributes really show the inspiration behind this piece. Thank you for pointing out all of these fine details and for explaining thei...
Great picture's TM,
A very nice way to show the details where it comes from, and my favorite red watchwinder on the way to Monica house............. ;-) Best, Michel
LOL! Hey, I can be accused of many things...
But at least I can't be accused of leaving my readers hanging ... (at least, not forever... ) Cheers, and yes, there will be another opportunity, I'm sure. ;-) TM
nice.
Not one of AP:s best efforts but probably a good watch for ferrari owners who want to match the colours of the interior with their new watch!