SIHH2013: Audemars Piguet at a glance

Jan 24, 2013,20:35 PM
 

Here is a quick summary of the new watches presented this week in Geneva by Audemars Piguet.  Beginning in a few days, we will be exploring in much more detail not only the following watches, but also the current state of affairs at AP.  The brand has been working diligently to bring clear and concise definition to its core collection, while constructing the road map for the foreseeable future.  I'm convinced the strategy is solid, and we will enjoy great things from AP for years to come.  More on these important matters soon.

And now, the new watches for 2013, beginning with the Tradition minute repeater tourbillon chronograph, shown here in a titanium case with white gold bezel:





Perhaps no greater tribute to the 20th Anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore could be made than the new series of Grande Complication pieces.  Here is the titanium case with black ceramic bezel version:





Three new Royal Oak Offshore perpetual calendar pieces were released in small limited editions.  The case size is 42mm, and is offered in platinum (10 pieces), pink gold (25 pieces), and titanium (35 pieces).  Pink gold:





Titanium:





Next up, a ceramic cased Royal Oak Offshore Diver.  This version has orange accents on the dial and is the first Diver to include an exhibition sapphire caseback, allowing the manufacture Calibre 3120 to be viewed:





The 44mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is now offered with a ceramic case middle to match the ceramic bezel.  This watch is essentially the same as the current forged carbon case / ceramic bezel 44mm Offshore, but is now all ceramic:





Women's watches are a large part of AP's 2013 theme.  The collection is stunning.  Starting off, a 41mm Jules Audemars extra-thin with a gem-set bezel.  Also of note is the use of the calibre 2120:





The 39mm Jules Audemars selfwinding features one of the most beautiful dial guilloches I have ever seen:





The Jules Audemars small seconds comes in a 33mm case and is offered with a new 7 row bracelet in matching pink gold.  It has a very supple feel:





A 37mm Royal Oak selfwinding is available in white gold for the first time.  This is also the first 37mm offered in full-set diamonds:





White gold 33mm Royal Oak quartz, with full gem-set case and bracelet:





And perhaps we will find a few others to discuss:





Much more to come Friends, please stay tuned...


More posts: Grande ComplicationJules AudemarsRoyal OakRoyal Oak OffshoreRoyal Oak Offshore DiverTourbillon ChronographTraditionTradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Thanks for the report, Michael. And for the visit at the AP booth.

 
 By: amanico : January 24th, 2013-22:28
I was very happy to see you there, my fruend, and can't wait to read your detailed reviews. Best, Nicolas

Likewise Nicolas, a real pleasure.

 
 By: MichaelC : January 25th, 2013-07:30
I am looking forward to the detailed examinations on JLC, as well!

any pics of the clear caseback of the new Diver?

 
 By: DRMW : January 24th, 2013-23:37
Thanks for the pics from SIHH, look forward to more! -MW

Yes Sir. Pretty standard arrangement.

 
 By: MichaelC : January 25th, 2013-07:42
I'll have more on this topic in the upcoming detailed review. ...  

tnx Michael [nt]

 
 By: timlua : January 24th, 2013-23:40

Thanks Michael!!

 
 By: HPoirot : January 26th, 2013-07:47
I find it strange and a little telling that a couple of big brands have chosen to focus on women's collection. Not that there's anything wrong with that. A quick look at VC's offerings and you'll get the same impression. Also, the diamond encrusted Surviv... 

The diamond piece is not a Survivor...

 
 By: MichaelC : January 27th, 2013-09:28
But a T3 model. I'll have more on this watch in the coming weeks. I will also address your comment on the attention to women's watches, which is a big part of AP's strategy.

tnx michael

 
 By: timlua : January 26th, 2013-09:42

Very welcome. [nt]

 
 By: MichaelC : January 27th, 2013-09:28

Thanks very much Michael...

 
 By: Tony-GB : January 27th, 2013-04:38
Thanks for taking the time to post these excellent pics. The 39mm Jules Audemars selfwinding dial is absolutely hypnotic. I bet it's mesmerising in the flesh. The Offshore calendar's are just... well, glorious. AP are getting better & better at dial l... 

I've realised since buying my rgrc just how easily the gold can scratch

 
 By: nautilus : January 27th, 2013-06:20
A gold bezel isn't particularly practical for people who enjoy wearing their watches and if the bezel can only be re finished 3 times it could be very costly.

In person it was one of my favorites!

 
 By: MichaelC : January 27th, 2013-09:35
You can tell a lot of work went into AP's new women's collection. I also like the tweaks to the dials of the Offshore Perpetual Calendars. Many of the pieces we handled were prototypes and not actual pieces that will get delivered to end clients. The watc... 

The Platinum Grande Complication to me..

 
 By: andrewluff : January 27th, 2013-09:34
Was the highlight of the AP stand. I thought the piece was perfectly balanced and a really great addition to the range. The diver was cool with the orange parts, but found that turning it over was a bit disappointing with the small movement with not great... 

The finishing of the Calibre 3120 is typically outstanding.

 
 By: MichaelC : January 27th, 2013-09:49
I have handled numerous samples in the past and never noticed any imperfections or lack of quality on the finishing. I blame Oren for us not meeting Andrew, 100%. I wish I had your cell number, I certainly would have called. Next time for sure.

I blame him too ;-)

 
 By: andrewluff : January 28th, 2013-06:35
Trying to keep me away from the competition! Will organise ourselves better next time for sure. Was even wearing my QP in honour of hopefully seeing you! I was honestly surprised, I normally take pictures but didn't as close up it did not look great and t... 

The new Diver continues to grow on me . . .

 
 By: M4 : January 27th, 2013-10:05
I am really excited about AP's move to straight ceramic materials and have to say that it works really well on the new Diver. The orange accents against the deep black ceramic bezel/case/dial is eye-catching in a very positive way. Also, the price point I... 

Indeed Dan, me too.

 
 By: MichaelC : January 27th, 2013-11:24
When I first saw it in the case I thought it was beautiful, but when I strapped it to my wrist I thought "I want this". The ceramic finishing is amazing. The buckle is a titanium pin buckle, not blackened as I recall.