Audemars Piguet New Designs: Originality Debate

Arie - Mr Orange · 2019-01-12T11:12:51Z

Community debate on Audemars Piguet's new designs, comparing them to Montblanc Timewalker and Porsche Design. Collectors discuss originality and aesthetics.

Key Points from the Discussion

The contributor expresses disappointment with AP's new line, suggesting a lack of strong heritage design in the dials and comparing them to 'high end' fashion watches.
The author agrees that AP should develop more attractive lines beyond the Royal Oak and Millenary, praising the case design but criticizing the dials as 'boring and/or weak designs' and 'rip offs'.
Another contributor points out similarities between the new AP models and Porsche Design watches, finding the new AP models 'dull, without souls and total lack of history'.
A collector shares images of an IWC Porsche Design from the late 90s and an AP Royal Oak from 2003, highlighting similar gold rings on the dials, suggesting a historical precedent for such design elements.
The contributor reflects on AP's history, noting that in the 80s, the movement was paramount, and the Royal Oak looked dated. They appreciate the new line's case design as a modernized take on a traditional look but agree on the need for better dials.
The author reiterates that AP should have done a more original job, especially given their 'first master the rules' motto, and advises buying these new models on the grey market due to anticipated depreciation.

The Discussion

aston.db4

Jan 12, 2019

lack of design

I'm not sure what happened to AP when were designing this new series, but it seems they may have had a really tiny R&D budget. The case is interesting with mid-case reminding the wearer of the Royal Oak. Lack of strong AP heritage design with the dials has some social folks calling these "high end" Emporio Armani or Michael Kor watches. Hopefully the watches look much better in person than the marketing photos.

Arie - Mr Orange

Jan 12, 2019

I guess AP is still star struck by Genta’s Royal Oak design.

They might as well stop producing anything else imo.

JLG22

Jan 12, 2019

That's funny because I have the timewalker and that's exactly the first thought that came to my mind.

Tastes are a matter of choice and cannot be discussed but I must say I m a bit disappointed by all the new AP released. To be fair to AP i think there s a noticeable drop in watch esthetics across the spectrum of watch brands.

mj23

Jan 12, 2019

You got a good point

Definitely similarity there. Very disappointed in AP Guess it will continue to be a RO brand.

cazalea

Jan 12, 2019

Gold subdial rings aren't unique to just a few, nor are they new

Here's my IWC Porsche Design from the late 90's And it looks like gold rings on this AP RO too! The picture's from 2003. Cazalea

Arie - Mr Orange

Jan 12, 2019

Yes

Nevertheless these ‘new’ designs have a lot of similarities with other watches. And imo AP should have done a better, more original job. Especially when you tell everybody to “first master the rules...”. Ah well....one thing is for sure if you like one of these one minute to twelve watches: buy grey market! It will save you a lot of money 😜

Audemars Piguet New Designs: Originality Debate

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