Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Selfwinding Chronograph

Rosneathian · 2021-08-26T15:29:39Z

Explore the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26100BC.OO.D002CR.01. Dive into its 1920s inspiration, unique 'crossed 4' numeral, and collector insights on movement choices and design.

Rosneathian

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

27 replies7034 views5 photos

Rosneathian introduces the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Selfwinding Chronograph Ref. 26100BC.OO.D002CR.01, a reference that pays homage to a 1920s design. This article delves into Rosneathian's initial impressions and the community's subsequent discussion, exploring the watch's design nuances, movement choices, and historical context. It offers a valuable look at a less-discussed AP model, providing insights for both new and seasoned collectors.

This arrived today.

First, the basics:

Ref. 26100BC.OO.D002CR.01

Date of release: 2009

Case diameter: 41mm; thickness: 12.6mm

Movement: Automatic 3124/3841

No. of jewels: 59

Case/deployant material: White gold

Water resistance: 2ATM

Dial: Ivory

Beat: 21,600 vph

Power reserve: 60hrs

This watch was part of a duo launched at SIHH in 2009 (covered at the time on WPS - see archives). Its twin is in rose gold with a white lacquered dial.

The watch is based on a lovely old thing from the late 1920s. You could say this was a remaster before the [Re]Master. It lasted on the market for about a decade before AP shifted its energy to the aforementioned [Re]Master and, perhaps, the Code 11.59.

I have some more photographs to share but am so inept with organizing posts I'll leave it here for now.

Oh, and it's LOVELY.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Jules Audemars Selfwinding Chronograph, Ref. 26100BC.OO.D002CR.01, was released in 2009 as part of a duo, with a twin in rose gold. It draws inspiration from a late 1920s model, predating AP's [Re]Master series.
The crossed '4' numeral on the dial is a distinctive design element, also seen on watches like the RGM 801E. Its origin is debated, with one theory suggesting it's a subtle nod to Christian tradition, akin to the Maltese Cross or the Order of Calatrava.
Some collectors express a preference for manual-wind movements in chronographs, particularly for their slimmer profile, and find the thickness of automatic movements, even in homage pieces like the Jules Audemars or [Re]Master, to be a drawback. There's also a pet peeve regarding movements that appear too small for the case, suggesting a solid case back as an alternative.
The watch's classic styling and two-subdial layout are highly appreciated, with some collectors advocating for more attention to AP's offerings beyond the Royal Oak, such as the Jules Audemars and Millenary lines.
The inward-sloping bezel contributes to a compact dial appearance, allowing the pronounced numerals and hands to feel uncrowded, with minimal intrusion from the registers.
The crossed '4' numeral design evokes the Art Deco era of the 1920s, prompting curiosity about its historical origins and whether it's merely a decorative flourish or carries deeper meaning.

The Discussion

Bill

Aug 26, 2021

I think this one is flying under the radar. A real beauty. Enjoy

mdg

Aug 26, 2021

...and it's a truly lovely watch. I just wished they had used a manual movement that fit the case better...

Rosneathian

Aug 26, 2021

I've never fathomed the lament "wish this was an automatic/manual." If I wanted a watch with a particular movement, I'd get it: quartz, spring drive, manual, automatic or solar. Am curious to learn why it took AP so long to produce its own automatic calibre (but only out of general curiosity since I don't accept that in-house is necessarily better).

Rosneathian

Aug 26, 2021

Fortunately it still seems to be available new and pre-owned and wildly, though at wildly disparate prices.

mdg

Aug 26, 2021

...and those movements are usually much slimmer than automatics. I think this is one of the best looking watches out there, especially in the price range, but I will never buy it because of the unnecessary thickness. Same with the AP Re-Master. It is stunning. But the movement is wrong for the watch, especially as it is an homage to an earlier reference with a manual movement. I also have a pet peeve of movements that are too small for the case. When that happens, I'd prefer a solid case back. B

Rosneathian

Aug 26, 2021

You're a purist, I can tell! I'm a little less exacting. I quite like the mix-and-match nature of this watch, as I do with modern iterations in general. There's no doubting however that manual chronographs can be aesthetically prettier than their automatic successors. Below is what I understand to be the watch on which the current reference is based. After that, the current reference with its twin, born together in 2009. Kind regards.

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Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Selfwinding Chronograph

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