Audemars Piguet Watches: London Halloween Collection

Once again, my better half and I found ourselves in London, this time headed to the AP House on New Bond Street. A week prior, I received a call from the sales associate. Last year, he mentioned he’d work on securing the 16202 for my next acquisition, but now he informed me it was unlikely as they did not have it available. Naturally, I shared the news with my fiancée, who suspected it might be a ruse.

Since both my Offshores have been acting up(minute counter is active with the chronograph off), and my Royal Oak hasn’t been running smoothly either, so I brought them along. We were picked up from our hotel and met the SA outside AP House. It was great seeing him again, as well as the familiar security guard we always joke with at the boutique.

The AP House was impressive —the room’s size and atmosphere were remarkable, with watches elegantly displayed in glass cases on bronze bases, and a herringbone-patterned floor. The wood-paneled walls had a design reminiscent of Bang & Olufsen, even the tv, though it was not, unexpectedly.

We settled in at the bar, where we stayed for the entire meeting, chatting about British politics, skiing, and what it’s like working for Audemars Piguet. He noticed I was wearing IWC Ingenieur 40mm aqua dial - my current daily driver. We agreed that the pricing wasnt quite right for it, but is a lovely time piece. Suddenly we found ourselves talking about the Patek Philippe Cubitus; I think you all know how that conversation went. My Offshores were taken to be serviced and the Royal Oak was getting looked at by a watch technician. And then the real fun started!

I’ve been trying to convert my fiancée to AP, and I was optimistic we’d find a piece for her this time. We began with the 77450BA.GG.1361BA.01—a 34mm model in 18-carat yellow gold with frosted accents. Bewitching, but too noisy for our Scandinavian sensibilities. Having never seen or experienced the frosted gold, this was a really fun piece to see up close!

Then came the mighty yet mini versions in rose and yellow gold. Their small, bracelet-like designs fascinated me, but she found them too small and busy. She adored that they felt more like bracelets than watches. And she started talking about the previous watches she had tried on our previous visits, to my delight!

Finally, he brought out the 26231ST.ZZ.A178CA.01 Offshore, a 37mm model with a diamond-set bezel and salmon dial, paired beautifully with a grey rubber strap (no picture). However, it felt too large for her wrist. After considering various options, she decided on the 34mm two-tone Royal Oak, though it wasn’t available in-store. We learned the white dial had been discontinued, replaced by ref. 77450SR.OO.1361SR.03 with a grey dial, which I’m sure will be perfect for her.

Then, it was my turn. He showed me the 43mm Offshore, ref. 15605SK.OO.A350CA.01—a stunning two-tone rubberclad. While beautiful (loved the smoked dial), I would have preferred if it was reduced to 42mm and had a chronograph function. It felt too simple with just the crown - my opinion though. Besides that, with two Offshores already, I’m looking to add another Royal Oak to my small but slowly growing collection.

 

The Remaster, which he presented next, caught me off guard. I’d always imagined it to be large and bulky, but it wasn’t. It wasnt at all. The sand-gold was very interesting; so many different tones of gold depending on the light. And the divided blue dials were stunning. A very unique and fun piece, one that grew a lot on me. I enjoyed the funky spirit of it, and it really stands out in a crowd. 

After discussing the Remaster series and future releases, he brought out the Code 11.59 Starwheel. Seeing it up close and trying it on was a pleasure; the blue aventurine dial was magnificent, with an undeniable avant-garde flair. She thought it was such a strange way to tell time, but I love it(!) I'd do away with the second hand, besides that I think it is a really special watch. I do plan to add it to my growing collection eventually, though I’d like a few more Royal Oaks and Offshores first.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything else available - no Jumbo, green-dial Royal Oak with or without chronograph function. Both my fiancée and I were a bit surprised. Before leaving, I got my Royal Oak back. They said it only needed a slight shake to start up. However, despite its 70-hour power reserve, it still stops after just a few hours, even when fully wound. I’ll be testing out the pick-up service for this issue.
The SA reassured me that an openworked model might be possible, though with no clear timeline; I imagine it’ll come after the Jumbo. Every previous visit has led to a new acquisition, but this time, I left without anything new. 

We plan to return to London sometime after New Year’s to pick up my serviced pieces. I’m hopeful the SA will have allocated the 34mm for her - and perhaps something for me. And it might be sacrilegious to say, but I actually prefer the boutique to the AP house. 

Apologizes for not being as active as I usually am - we are expecting a child, our first, and work has been intense since august. My mind is just scrambled. I hope to be more active going forward. Hope you like the read - apologies for any english mistakes. 

Bonne lecture mon amis, and have a good monday evening,