MichaelC's retrospective on the Audemars Piguet Millenary Maserati Dual Time offers a fascinating look at a limited-edition timepiece that celebrated Maserati's 90th anniversary. His detailed observations highlight the watch's unique multi-layered dial and ergonomic case, providing valuable insights into a design that was both polarizing and technically challenging to produce. This article explores why this particular Millenary remains a significant piece in AP's history.
In 2005, AP launched a splendid Millenary timepiece to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the automakers company founding. The Limited Edition watch was offered in three case metals - stainless steel (900 pieces), rose gold (450 pieces), and platinum (90 pieces). We will be looking at the steel model here.
The watch features a dual time function with day / night indicator, a power reserve, and a date function. Certainly, the amazing dial on this timepiece is what I find most captivating. Perhaps polarizing in aesthetics, there is no denying how unique it is. It is made in several different layers that all cant towards the center of the watch. The date feature is at 3, the dual time at 6, and the power reserve at 9.
The case is listed at 42mm x 47mm, yet is quite comfortable on the wrist. The caseband is brushed, while the bezel and lug tops are polished. I have always adored the Millenary case; a very special canvas for unique AP creations.
A closer look at the power reserve shows how its recessed area has a circular guilloche background, all sloping towards the center. Typically, I am not one for company logos on a watch dial, but the Maserati trident in white gold is wicked cool.
Using the circular disc for the hours and minutes within the oval case is really brilliant. There is much to study and enjoy when wearing this watch. I always felt like the elongated numerals on the right side of the dial were "wind blown" or pulled, as if the the car's heavy acceleration were leaving them behind. It really is creative. You can also see how the recessed subdials for the dual time and date have a thicker flange towards their right sides, and that is a function of the outer dial again sloping towards the center of the watch.
The steel model was provided on a very nice brown calf strap, and it utilizes the typical AP deployant. It is quite comfortable. I have been asked how legible the watch is, and I never had problems reading the time on this dial. It is kind of a neat effect when the hour and minute hands bunch up over the power reserve hand. You don't tend to see such "congestion" on other watch dials. The sharply shaped hands are filled with luminous material, and a luminous squares mark the dial at each hour.
I'll soon be posting the interview I conducted with AP designer Octavio Garcia at SIHH2013. As we made small talk at the start of our conversation, I made a point of bringing up this watch. He spoke very fondly about it. When I asked him how hard it was for AP to make this dial, his reply was rather straight forward: "It was a nightmare".
If you ever have the chance to view this watch in person, give it a good look. Even if the design is not your cup of tea, you'll appreciate the originality of this awesome AP.
