Audemars Piguet: 3 Essential Watches

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In this insightful article, MichaelC, a collector with nearly 25 years of experience with Audemars Piguet, shares his definitive trio that encapsulates the brand's essence for him. His personal selection, featuring iconic and polarizing references, offers a unique perspective on what makes AP special, moving beyond common perceptions to highlight the watches that truly resonate with a seasoned enthusiast.

I am not usually one for group shots, but as my good friend Peter asked for 2 of these, I figured let's get a few snaps of the trio.

I bought my first AP in 2001, so I am approaching 25 years with the brand. I have never not owned an AP over this time, and while surely some have come and gone, I have matured enough to know the ones I really love.

And if I had to define my best of this storied brand, it would be with these 3 for me: 39mm Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore Survivor, and CODE 11.59 Starwheel. Certainly, many others are sensational timepieces, capable of being standalone APs or part of a collection. The brand's complicated watches are incredible, but out of my personal comfort range (both to acquire and then comfortably wear).

The Royal Oak, what to say that has already not been said. How about this - I recently read a comment on our forums about AP being a "one trick pony". And many do believe that. I'll just say if we accept that as true, then every other brand is competing to place or show. The Royal Oak forever wins here, so if this is your one pony, you have the right one.

Royal Oak Offshore Survivor - always the most audacious Offshore chronograph variant. I am very much a firearms enthusiast, and of other edged weapons like knives and tomahawks, so this model has always struck a personal cord with me. The fact that it has always been polarizing and even offensive to many, makes me love it even more.

CODE 11.59 Starwheel - this watch gives me optimism that AP can still be the brand I fell in love with so many years ago. It truly is a new watch, and not just a new dial color or material variation, or even worse, a collaboration.

So there you go. The trio together over Easter before returning for safe storage, and the ones that best capture my interest in Audemars Piguet.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 15500ST offers a more modern date mechanism and better wrist fit compared to the 15202ST, which some collectors find too delicate and cumbersome despite its 'grail' status.
The author's original posts have inspired other collectors to explore brands like Audemars Piguet and Panerai, highlighting his long-standing influence within the community.
Another collector independently arrived at the same 'winning formula' for an Audemars Piguet collection: a Royal Oak 'Jumbo', an Offshore, and a Starwheel.
While the Royal Oak holds deep sentimental value, the author acknowledges that Parmigiani options offer comparable quality, a superior movement, and a lower price point, despite the Royal Oak's enduring design appeal.
The author advises that adding a CODE 11.59 and a Royal Oak Chronograph (ROC) in smaller case sizes can provide a perfect fit for collectors seeking to expand their AP collection.
The selected trio effectively showcases the breadth of Audemars Piguet's offerings, from the classic Royal Oak to the audacious Offshore Survivor and the innovative CODE 11.59 Starwheel.

The Discussion

Apr 5, 2024

And wonderful photos of a terrific trio of watches that capture the essence of AP. Nicely done. M4

GWIS

Apr 5, 2024

Those 3 watches certainly capture some of the breadth of AP’s offering. All the best, Jon

pfang56

Apr 5, 2024

Definitely several of the best of the best releases by AP, and I especially enjoyed the tie to your own personal story and history. As shared to you before - it's your original posts that got me into AP (and probably Panerai) over two decades ago - and so I'm incredibly grateful to follow in your sage footsteps! Looking forward to seeing your next post my friend. Cheers Peter

sebks

Apr 6, 2024

Jumbo, Offshore and Starwheel is my wining formula as well

Eikþyrnir

Apr 6, 2024

These three are marvelous! A jumbo, exquisite Offshore and a beautiful 11.59. A trio that in itself is a complete collection

pfang56

Apr 6, 2024

Thanks for sharing this combo. I think you need a concept! Peter

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