New Release
Z3 provides an exclusive look at Audemars Piguet's 2010 novelties from SIHH, offering live photos and concise descriptions beyond official press releases. This article is invaluable for understanding the initial reception and design nuances of key models like the Millenary Carbon One, the 37mm Royal Oak Offshore, and the Royal Oak Calendar, directly from a collector's perspective at the time of their debut.
PuristSPro's 2010 SIHH Live Reporting by Z3
Audemars Piguet 2010 Novelties
Ok, you've been waiting for the press, and now you have seen the press and the specs, and here are the live ones! There are a lot of things going on this year, so I will keep the descriptions short and sweet.
Millenary Carbon One Tourbillon Chronograph
The Royal Oak Offshore in 37mm (note that they are not called "ladies ROO", which means that they could be considered "mid-size" ROOs. The ones without the diamond bezels certainly look like a miniature version of the regular ROOs)
Comparisons with a regular size 42mm ROO.
Comparative wrist shots:
Standard ROO 42mm
ROO 37mm
In a nutshell, the 37mm doesn't do it for me (but then again, I am a 6 feet 2, 200 lb+ guy). However, I've long heard that many East Asian collectors have complained about the large 42mm ROO case, so the 37mm might be a solution.
Royal Oak Calendar (date, day of the week) in SS and RG
Now, for many of us, the star of the show - the ROO Grand Prix!
In forged carbon (1750 pieces), rose gold (650 pieces), and platinum (95 pieces). Although 1750 pieces are quite a lot for a "limited edition", I am not a bit surprised if all of those are sold off instantly.
To be honest, there are MANY details for the Grand Prix, everything from the case, the dial, the bezel (check out the recessed screws), the polishing work, the crown and push buttons, the strap (made with calf skin and alcantara), and the display back (the only other ROO w/ display back since Montoya) featuring a specially decorated movement.
The movement is AP's in house automatic chronograph movement 3126/3840, of course.
Wrist shots of the forged carbon Grand Prix: Quite light and the alcantara strap feels very comfortable.
RO Skeleton, in SS and RG
RO Equation of Time, in SS and RG.
ROO Diver (certified, by NIHS 92-11, ISO 6425, to be officially called a diver's watch. water resistant to 300m. Thicker and feels more sturdy than the ROO Scuba)
Millenary Quincy Jones w/ blacked steel
Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar in RG.
Millenary Chronograph in RG
Jules Audemars Automatic, with skeleton rotor. Very simple and elegant.
Another 2 watches for some people to get excited about: The New York 57th street boutique ROO Limited Edition. Ladies in 150 pieces, Gent's in 250 pieces (steel case, rubber bezel, leather strap, rose gold hands and indices).
Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to shoot the ROO Tourbillon Chronograph. Hope to see it soon.
All in all, AP introduced many wearable pieces this year. My personal favorites are the Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar, and the Grand Prix in forged carbon.
What are yours?
Hope you enjoyed the photos.
Cheers,
Jon (Z3)
P.S. Please excuse me if I can't respond to questions in time, as I am literally up to my neck with work with minimal sleep. I will get back to you guys when I return to the U.S. Thanks for your kind understanding.
This message has been edited by Z3 on 2010-01-20 18:31:57 This message has been edited by ThomasM on 2010-01-22 09:38:17The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15305 is a notable variant within the Royal Oak line, distinguished by its openworked dial and movement, offering a direct view into the intricate mechanics. This reference represents a more elaborate and technically complex interpretation of the standard Royal Oak, appealing to collectors who appreciate haute horlogerie and the art of skeletonization. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a less common sight compared to its solid-dial counterparts. The openworked design allows for an appreciation of the finishing and architecture of the movement, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.
The watch features a 39 mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, maintaining the classic Royal Oak proportions. It houses the self-winding Caliber 3120, which is meticulously openworked and finished to expose its components. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed octagonal bezel, a signature element of the Royal Oak, is also in 18k yellow gold.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Royal Oak with an enhanced level of mechanical artistry and exclusivity. Its openworked nature sets it apart from more common Royal Oak models, positioning it as a piece that highlights Audemars Piguet's technical prowess in movement decoration and design. The 18k yellow gold construction further emphasizes its premium status. While not a double-signed piece as mentioned in the collector's post, the 15305 stands on its own as a significant openworked Royal Oak.
My two favorites are the stainless RO skeleton and EOT. Do you know if the skeleton is an LE or regular production model? Thanks again for such great work posting the live pics. Regards, ED-209 This message has been edited by ED209 on 2010-01-20 19:27:59
No message body
not LE for sure
Hi, Ed, it will be "regular production" as noted below, but like all skeletonized models, production will be very low. Put another way, if you see one immediately available, and you really like it, snap it up. You never know when it will be "immediately available" again. Cheers, TM
Hi TM, Thanks for the words of wisdom. What to do? 15305 or 25820? Or 26603? hmmmm, decisions, decisions, decisions..... Regards, ED-209
I'm curious to see how this smaller 37mm Offshore fits on the wrist. I actually might like this one better since the regular Offshore is on the borderline of being too large for my wrist because of the unbendable strap endlinks. The Offshore Grand Prix looks nice but I feel it has a lot going on. It's a brilliant design but I feel if I purchased one, I would get tired of it real fast because it has no distinct identity for me. It looks like a mixture of several past Offshore models to me - Carbo
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