Audemars Piguet Golf Trophy 2013 Event

MichaelC · 2013-08-27T19:02:54Z

MichaelC reports on the 2013 Audemars Piguet Golf Trophy at Winged Foot, featuring rare Millenary Minute Repeater and Royal Oak Tourbillon.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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MichaelC provides an insider's account of the 2013 Audemars Piguet Golf Trophy at Winged Foot Golf Club, offering a rare glimpse into an exclusive client event. His report details a spectacular display of Audemars Piguet's most complex and limited-edition timepieces, including the Titanium Millenary Minute Repeater and Platinum Chronometer. This article captures the essence of AP's client engagement and showcases exceptional haute horlogerie.

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On August 26th, Audemars Piguet hosted the AP Golf Trophy event at Winged Foot Golf Club in Westchester, NY. The event is organized for brand clients and allows them the once in a lifetime chance to play with professional golfers who are AP Ambassadors. The pros participating in this tournament were Ian Poulter and Bud Cauley.

The night before the golf outing, guests were treated to a private cocktail hour and dinner located atop the Ritz Carlton in Westchester. It provided a great opportunity to meet and chat with the golfers, as well as the other guests. Quite typically, AP will have a few display cases for everyone to look at and handle some special watches. The sampling found at the Golf Trophy was extraordinary. In fact, for the many times I have seen APs grouped together on display, I am not sure I have ever come across a grouping like this box had:

Keen eyes will recognize every piece. In detail (and please excuse the photo quality, I had to rush to snap these between the frequent requests to see them up close):

- Titanium cased Millenary Minute Repeater. This watch is so rare I could not believe my eyes. An 8 piece edition, and this sample has a most desirable number for collectors. Contact the Audemars Piguet NYC boutique and ask for Goly to hear more about this incredible watch (or any of the ones to follow)... tell her MichaelC sent you ;-)

- Platinum Chronometer with Audemars Piguet escapement. The depth of this piece is awesome.

- Platinum openworked Minute Repeater with jumping hour. Whoa...

- Pink gold Jules Audemars Minute Repeater with jumping hour.

- Titanium and ceramic Royal Oak Tourbillon GMT Concept. While the materials make you expect it to be light weight, it is surprisingly so on the wrist when you see how large it is.

Pink gold Jules Audemars perpetual calendar. The dial color on this one is very unique and it looks outstanding. Kind of a light brown anthracite. Really superb.

Stainless steel extra thin Royal Oak tourbillon. Xavier Nolot (CEO of APNA) himself proclaimed he would like to own this watch. So would I.

In addition to the pieces shown above, we also previewed a few Michael Schumacher Offshores, a Leo Messi Royal Oak Chronograph, and both of the open worked 15305 models (in steel and rose gold). It was an amazing collection that showcased everything that is so outstanding about Audemars Piguet watches.

The next day began early as we shuttled over the to incomparable Winged Foot Golf Club. Golf fans will remember this course as host to one of the most memorable US Opens from 2006 in which a double bogey on the 72nd hole cost Phil Mickelson the Championship. Winged Foot was founded in 1921. It has hosted the US Open 5 times and will do so again in 2020.

The facilities are quite impressive.

After breakfast we hit the range to warmup. Ian Poulter getting loose:

This was a great capture that really shows a lot of the professional golf swing:

23 year old Bud Cauley can really drive the ball. Despite a sign at the range asking golfers not to hit the ball over the high screen at the end of the range, Bud consistently drove the ball over the top. I believe he did say "whoops" after one of such shots.

The two professionals conducted a live clinic. We asked questions for over 30 minutes and the golfers demonstrated their answers.

On the course we ended up as 5 teams. The winning group shot a 58. While it is not often to hear of such low numbers at scramble tournaments, the number was very impressive. The played the East course and the greens were very difficult. Much like when you see the US Open on television, you can miss a 3' putt by a fraction of an inch and run 10' or more past the hole. I had never putted on greens like that before.

Attention to every detail, as always:

Every foursome played 2 holes which each of the professionals. To see the golfers execute their shots on the course during a round is very cool. I'm afraid golf is the kind of sport where it is far to easy to sit at home and think "I could have made that putt, I would have hit that fairway". It's not true. Many recreation golfers can shoot in the 70s, maybe even better. But do it consistently, from the tips, on the world's hardest course, when your livelihood depends on it... these guys are on another planet in terms of skill. They deserve all the credit that comes with being a registered professional.

After the event, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch and the winning team received their prizes. It was an amazing experience. The venue and weather were perfect, the golfers exceeded expectations. And AP made everyone feel welcomed and part of the growing Family.

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

Key Points from the Discussion

The event offered a unique opportunity to play golf with AP Ambassadors, and the display of watches was extraordinary, featuring rare pieces like the Titanium Millenary Minute Repeater and Platinum Chronometer.
The Platinum Chronometer and the Stainless Steel Royal Oak Tourbillon were particular favorites among the displayed pieces.
The openworked pieces, like the Platinum openworked Minute Repeater with jumping hour, are superbly executed, offering significant depth and artistry.
The minute repeater complication, particularly on the titanium Millenary, was described as 'heavenly' and a highly aspirational feature.
The display of watches was initially thin, but the full collection of cool pieces was expected to return, though some missed the opportunity to see them.

The Discussion

AllThingsWatches

Aug 27, 2013

As always great to catch up Michael!

Glad you got home safe. The event was fantastic as well.

MichaelC

Aug 28, 2013

It was my pleasure ATW

Sorry we did not get more time together. The RG Schumi looked so awesome on you... I'm real happy you got that watch. Be well my Brother!

JerryW

Aug 27, 2013

I visited the Audemars Piguet NYC boutique today.

The display seemed a little thin, then I was told about all of these really cool pieces that were at the tournament and will be back soon. Only problem is I will leave town before they return. Guess they cannot twist my arm this week. JerryW

MichaelC

Aug 28, 2013

Oh they can still twist from afar...

They must be one of FedEx's best clients ;-) Sorry you did not get to see the full collection Jerry. Hope all is well with you.

amanico

Aug 27, 2013

It must have been a superb moment, indeed.

The openworked Minute Repeater caught my attention. More to share and to tell? Best, Michael, and thanks for this post! Nicolas

MichaelC

Aug 28, 2013

Well, I believe it is available!

The openwork is so superbly executed. The piece has a lot of depth and is a true work of art. I did not activate the repeater on it but did on the titanium Millenary and it was heavenly. Definitely a complication I aspire to own one day.