Langepedia
285
Thanks for the review, Nico
Feb 11, 2019,12:50 PM
Even though my nickname is Langepedia, I have nothing to do with the company so my thoughts are mine only.
Starting the new line; it is not really, really a new line, is it?
Still houses the Royal Oak cues with its case; which was outsourced back then. To me; AP never really had a so called DNA as Lange or Patek or so to speak Journe. However; I do agree case structure is eye pleasing, and Royal Oak is helluva design.
Of all watches; I find minute repeater, perpetual calendar and openworked tourbillon worthy by their looks. I do share your sentiments on minute repeater. I would easily move towards another brand at that price point.
I have to disagree with the praise on chronograph caliber. To me; this movement just proves how hard it is to create a beautiful looking and technically advanced chronograph caliber from the ground. I'm aware of the fact that it is an automatic movement, not a hand-wound chronograph; however to me, judging by it looks it is just a regular chronograph caliber at its price and architecture. I do not see any special feats.
I do not even want to talk about its look in order not to get a warning from the forum because of the language
Same thing goes for the time-only line. Just, so, dull.
Perpetual calendar is a beautiful watch indeed. The moonphase's harmony with the aventurine is beautiful. I'd like to see a similar application to Saxonia thin aventurine.
Openworked tourbillon is as I'd expect from AP. They make amazing skeleton pieces, so this is not a surprise as well. Reminds me a bit Roger Dubuis, however it shines and loved it.
Selfwinding tourbillon; I do not see any special touch. I do not enjoy AP Royal Oak tourbillons anyway. Excluding this years black ceramic tourbillon...
All in all; as you mentioned, the case structure is pretty good however the dials and to me no special touch on chrono movement just do not attract me. There are many areas to play and get better with; so I'm sure AP will listen collectors and will step into right way. Again IMO they were so, so lazy for the last 5 decades and even though they screwed up with time only and chrono big time, it is better than keep chaging colors. (Exluding awesome concepts) Their launch strategy was terrible; where they put a lot of marketing fuss before the product and that even exaggerated the comments; which were IMO righttful.
Thanks for the review.