AP Ginza Boutique: Skeleton Masterpieces & Ginza 7 LE
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AP Ginza Boutique: Skeleton Masterpieces & Ginza 7 LE

By KIH · Sep 16, 2011 · 15 replies
KIH
WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
15 replies8003 views86 photos
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KIH delivers an exceptional report from the Audemars Piguet Ginza Boutique, detailing a rare exhibition of 25 skeleton masterpieces from the AP Museum. Accompanied by Mr. Martin K. Wehrli, Director of the Museum, KIH's coverage highlights the intricate artistry of AP's skeletonized movements. The post also introduces the Ginza 7 Limited Edition, created for disaster relief, blending horological appreciation with community support.

M. Martin K. Wehrli, Director du Musee Et du Patrimoine is visiting Tokyo with AP's museum collection, specifically skeleton masterpieces - 25 of them.  This rare tour of museum pieces which normally never leave the museum is intended to show to the world the "inside" of AP watches, which is often ignored or forgot these days.

Also in this photo report are the brand new Ginza 7, special LE created to contribute to the disaster relief effort for northeastern region of Japan, together with the wall clocks signed by MANY cooperating celebrities/ambassadors which are still on auction.

Hope you enjoy the special museum piece display as well as the new Ginza 7 special LE (and a bit of dinner scene afterward smile)


AP Ginza Boutique - AP Tower in the Tokyo "High Horology District"




Skeleton Museum Fair - 25 skeleton masterpieces which normally are not allowed to leave the Audemars Piguet Museum in Switzerland are displayed.  Mr. Martin Wehrli, Director of the Museum, accompanies and guides you through the pieces.




Mr. Wehrli - very gentle, has worked for AP for 41 years and counting, and calls himself "uncle of Thomas Mao" smile




Now, the skeleton masterpieces each followed by the narrative :




















































































The caliber of above.
























The following two pieces were designed by Mr. Gerald Genta.
































This is a great watch.  I like this much better than the later revision.
















Special appearance smile




Coin?




Wow...  1.65mm thickness.












Most definitely MUCH more worth than $20....




Coin watch on display








What a case!
















1.9mm thickness
































That's it for the skeleton pieces.


Now, the new Ginza 7 on the wrist of Mr. Mugino - CEO of AP Japan.




On mine - Notice the FLAT dial (no waffle or any pattern).




Ceramic bezel, carbon case, "7" is full of diamond - VERY light weight and so easy to wear.  White/black two tone subdials and RG rim of on subdial give nice accent to the dial which could otherwise become boring only flat black.  Nice touch.

LE of 200 pieces.  MSRP JPY3,150,000 (before tax).  Each of sale contributes to the good cause.




Now these are the wall clocks signed by the celebrities/ambassadors.  Unfortunately, you have to come to the boutique to register to auction.  These include....




Rory McIlroy




Vijay Singh




Lionel Messi




Michael Schumacher




Lee Westwood




Darren Clark




Quincy Jones




Arnold Schwarzenegger




and, LeBron James... to name a few.





Now the dinner time at Japanese style Steak house.... Garlic slices




Fried shrimp heads..




... and this is Mr. Wehrli's watch.  Very special.  How?




Old type bracelet




His INITIAL ON THE ROTOR!




This is what he received to celebrate his 25 years of service at AP, from 1971 to 1996.  I was impressed by "P10" rotor and now personal initial rotor?  He said, "anybody can have such rotor made".  With certain cost, I am sure....  His name is engraved, too.




Doesn't have the shape of "AP".








Now a very attractive Millenary worn by the Marketing Executive lady.




Designed by the famous Japanese designer, Mr. Morita.  Cal. 3120.




Unisex, but how do you like this look on lady's wrist?  I like it very much!




We had a very wonderful and fun evening.  Impressed with so many museum pieces and was I happy to see those that I can't normally see outside the museum.

Special thanks to Mr. Mugino, CEO of AP Japan, Ms. Kurachi, Marketing Executive, and of course Mr. Wehrli for guiding through the master pieces and wonderful conversation.  He was missing his nephew, Thomas!

Thank you for reading.

Ken

This message has been edited by KIH on 2011-09-17 00:33:11

About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15305

The 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.

Specifications

Caliber
3120
Case
18k Yellow Gold
Diameter
39 mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
RE
respo
Sep 16, 2011

It is a treat to see the march of skeletons like that. Thanks you for sharing that. Best, respo

AN
Andy
Sep 16, 2011

With my new interest in Skeletons this is just a dream post....last week I got a letter from AP inviting me to visit the manufacturer and if these are normally on display at their museum I think I'll have to arrange a visit. So who do we speak too about a custom rotor..!! Wow what a present from AP Great post which I think I'll save. Yours, Andy.

OC
ocwatching
Sep 16, 2011

wow..that skeleton work! WOW! Thanks for sharing...

FE
fernando
Sep 16, 2011

A good reminder that AP is more than just the ROOs. Those skeleton pcs. are solid proof of the very high level of craftmanship they possess. I admire the dedication and loyalty of Mr. Wehrli to his AP. He doesn't feel the need to rotate at all, unlike most of us here. Glad you had a great time! best f

DA
Davo
Sep 16, 2011

Great post. Love the look of the new Ginza 7. I must pay a visit to the boutique someday soon.

SA
SALMANPK
Sep 17, 2011

Thank you so much, I was totally immersed in the beauty of all those pieces and being in Japan made it even more special for me. S

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