Remember how many years it took the Millenary line to achieve a dial that was both unique and wholly suited to the shape of the case. 15 years, with the debut of the 4101.
The Star Wheel complication would look good with any case shape, such that it’s almost cheating. This kind of cheating is fine though.
I believe the Minute Repeater is the most successful dial, as it establishes a beautiful and modern aesthetic. Pretty much exactly what the time-only watch could have been, if that watch wasn’t being engineered to cost and mass market appeal (large seconds and date window).
I like the openwork dial, but the marriage with the case isn’t quite as natural as the Supersonnerie.
This beautiful dial has no need for a tourbillon, but the cutout isn’t an eyesore, if tourbillons are your passion.
The aventurine dial is gorgeous, but this dial could be paired to a classic round case and we’d deem it successful.
The chronograph is a jumble of fonts. This is an example where removing a bunch of the numbers would decrease functionality, but significantly upgrade the aesthetics and overall quality of the watch. The Zenith Classic Elite chronograph is such an example.
When manufacturers put their best foot forward with their entry level pieces, it establishes good will amongst collectors. Here, we have the opposite. Feels like the best dials were saved for the halo pieces and the entry level pieces got by-committee, feature-checking dials. Between this and the perception that favourable press was bought, AP has an uphill battle.
I think this collection could blossom over the next five years, but sometimes groundbreaking lines just don’t make it. Like Vacheron’s Quai d’Ille. Got canned without experiencing real success, but those last steel pieces were worthy of the prestigious brand name.