Audemars Piguet Black Onyx Dial Watches Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

• The vintage Ref. 4075BA, with its subtle octagonal shape and ellipse styling, represents a design direction Audemars Piguet should revisit, offering a refreshing alternative to the continuous iterations of the Royal Oak.
• The Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon's dial design, particularly the placement of the tourbillon opening and the 24-hour indicator, could be improved for better aesthetic balance and functionality, as the AM/PM indication on a non-travel watch is often superfluous.
• While the simplicity of the Ref. 4075BA is alluring, the Code 11.59 Tourbillon is visually stunning and represents a compelling choice for its contemporary design and complication.
• The author clarifies that both featured watches indeed have onyx dials, and shares an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15300 with a black dial, praising its 39mm size and Stern Creations dial as an ideal Royal Oak reference.
• The author provides a useful key for Audemars Piguet's case metal codes: 'BA' for yellow gold, 'OR' for rose gold, 'BC' for white gold, 'ST' for steel, and 'PT' for platinum, and shares additional images of the Ref. 4075BA.
• The author expresses a personal preference for tourbillons where the 'magic' of the complication remains visible through the case back rather than a dial aperture.