Audemars Piguet SIHH 2011-2014 Retrospective

MichaelC · 2014-11-21T08:41:32Z

MichaelC reviews Audemars Piguet's SIHH highlights from 2011-2014 and speculates on upcoming 2015 novelties, including Royal Oak and Millenary.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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MichaelC reflects on Audemars Piguet's significant releases from SIHH 2011-2014, anticipating the upcoming SIHH 2015. His post highlights the brand's evolution beyond the Royal Oak, showcasing the resurgence of the Millenary and Jules Audemars lines, alongside key Royal Oak anniversaries and high complications. This retrospective sets the stage for community speculation on future innovations.

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Wow, every year seems faster than the last. It does not feel so long ago that we were presented with SIHH2014 and all of Audemars Piguet's newest creations. And now we will see the next batch in a mere 50+ days. Let's have a quick look back as we then speculate on might might come in 2015.

In 2011, AP launched the 44mm Royal Oak Offshore collection. Certainly something we anticipated (a larger cased Royal Oak Offshore regular collection). But a new attention was placed upon the Millenary and Jules Audemars lines. The Millenary 4101 was unanimously received as a favorite watch offering from Audemars Piguet. As we view it now almost 4 years later, I see this design as significant blow to the sentiment that AP is a watch brand solely positioned around the strength of the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections. Surely, those lines continue to prosper and remain the primary image of the brand for most enthusiasts, but the Millenary 4101 has re-powered interest in the oval from AP.

The Jules Audemars collection saw refinement in 2011, and new models displayed the classic design cues used in the round collection.

A personal favorite to this day, the Millenary titanium minute repeater. It's perfect.

2012 marked the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak, and AP's novelties at SIHH were mostly dedicated to this incredible milestone. An updated version of the vaunted reference 15202 stole the show, and it remains a fireball to this day. I can attest to the power of this "simple" watch. Having owned mine for over a year, it is the greatest Audemars Piguet watch I have ever worn.

AP worked hard to streamline references and unite design details across the range. Here, the Royal Oak reference 15400, photo courtesy of Fx.

And a new 41mm Royal Oak chronograph.

2013, this year was mostly focused on tradition / high complications and the women's collection. But we were also treated to some all ceramic AP Offshores. Here, the 44mm chronograph.

And a very bold interpretation of the Royal Oak Offshore Diver.

The new Grande Complications were nothing short of awesome.

And the women's collections became more unique and feminine. This diamond set Jules Audemars is absolutely stunning in person.

And presented earlier this year, a regular production white ceramic Royal Oak Offshore 44mm chronograph.

And a new white ceramic Diver.

Refreshing the 42mm Royal Oak Offshore chronograph collection was the real focus of 2014 for AP. New versions again unite details and now feature ceramic pushers and crowns, straps with regular buckles, and refined dial trims.

Two new pink gold references are available, including a bracelet model.

The 2014 Safari is quite striking.

And a new Navy.

So, we are refreshed on the previous 4 years of Audemars Piguet. What will come in 2015??

I have really had the impression that AP has been a company holding back on the reigns. A supercar idling along at a comfortable speed. AP's focus in recent years has been dedicated to strengthening its core and refining its collections. Missions accomplished. I believe they are poised to bring forth some exceptional new models in the coming years. Might this process start in 2015? We will know the answers very soon...

About the Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202 YG Ref. 15202

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" ref. 15202 is a significant reference within the Royal Oak collection, known for its close adherence to the original 1972 design. It maintains the distinctive slim profile and integrated bracelet that defined the initial Royal Oak, distinguishing it from other Royal Oak models that introduced different sizes or complications. This reference is particularly valued for its historical continuity and minimalist approach to the Royal Oak aesthetic.

This reference features a 39mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, with a thickness of 8.1mm. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. Powering the watch is the self-winding Caliber 2121, a movement known for its slimness and a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. The dial is presented in blue, complementing the yellow gold case and bracelet.

For collectors, the 15202 represents a direct link to the Royal Oak's origins, appealing to those who prioritize historical accuracy and understated design. Its production run from 2012 to 2019 makes it a sought-after reference among enthusiasts of the "Jumbo" lineage. The combination of its classic dimensions, integrated bracelet, and the Caliber 2121 solidifies its position as a key reference in the Audemars Piguet catalog.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.2121

Case: yellow gold

Diameter: 39mm

Dial: Blue

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

About the Audemars Piguet Ref. 15400

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15400 represents a pivotal moment in the iconic collection s evolution, introduced in 2012 as the successor to the beloved 15300. This reference marked the transition to a larger 41mm case size while maintaining the essential design DNA established by Gérald Genta s revolutionary 1972 original. The 15400 served as the flagship time-only Royal Oak for nearly a decade, embodying the perfect balance between contemporary sizing preferences and the model s legendary octagonal architecture. Its significance lies in bridging the gap between vintage proportions and modern wrist presence, making it highly sought after by collectors who appreciate both heritage and wearability.

At the heart of the 15400 beats the manufacture Caliber 3120, a self-winding movement that showcases Audemars Piguet s horological mastery through its 22k gold rotor and 60-hour power reserve. This robust caliber features a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and incorporates the brand s commitment to finishing excellence, visible through the sapphire caseback with its Geneva stripes, circular graining, and beveled edges. The movement s architecture reflects decades of refinement, delivering reliable timekeeping while maintaining the slim profile essential to the Royal Oak s elegant proportions.

The 15400 s design epitomizes the Royal Oak s distinctive aesthetic codes: the integrated steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished surfaces, the iconic octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws, and the Grande Tapisserie decorated dial that creates mesmerizing light play. The silver dial variant particularly exemplifies the model s versatility, offering a refined backdrop for the applied hour markers and Royal Oak hands. From a collectibility standpoint, the 15400 has achieved significant recognition as the last generation of the 41mm time-only Royal Oak before the introduction of the current 15500, positioning it as a modern classic that captures both the model s evolutionary peak and its enduring appeal among discerning collectors.

Specifications

Caliber: Cal.3120

Case: steel

Diameter: 41mm

Dial: silver

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

There is significant anticipation for Audemars Piguet's SIHH 2015 novelties, with collectors eager to see whether the brand will introduce revolutionary or evolutionary changes, potentially including a different looking Offshore.
Speculation suggests a new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar might be unveiled, and while AP is developing an integrated chronograph movement, it is not expected until late 2015.
There are rumors of a new Audemars Piguet split-second tourbillon, possibly limited to 221 pieces, though the rumored price point raises skepticism about the inclusion of both complications.
Collectors hope for a new Royal Oak Moonphase with a refreshed design, or new 42mm Royal Oak Offshore models in titanium or stainless steel with ceramic bezels, possibly even unisex/ladies' versions.
A strong desire exists for an evolution of the Royal Oak Chronograph (Ref. 26320) to include a fully in-house movement and a sapphire case back, prior to any more complex innovations.
The possibility of Audemars Piguet surprising the market with a new double-face Royal Oak star wheel complication in 2015 is an intriguing thought among enthusiasts.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Nov 21, 2014

Discussed this issue two weeks ago with an AP employee

in a managerial position. 1. We might see a new Royal Oak Perpetual. 2. AP is working with their own integrated chronograph movement. However, this will probably be ready in the end of next year. But who cares... I am counting days and dreaming about my new RO Extra Thin. It's a watch every watch nut should own. Nice weekend! Kari

cory

Nov 21, 2014

AP integrated chronograph

I am really excited to see what AP come up with and am happy to wait until the end of 2015 as long as it is good!? :) Does anyone know how long this has been in development?....10 years? Could we expect a revolution or evolution? Perhaps quite a different looking offshore? Exciting times ahead. ;)

cory

Nov 21, 2014

Brand-new system for chronograph pushers!

I read about this and it got me excited.... "which will be a sort of mini-revolution for the watch world. It’s getting patented as we speak". Hope to see this soon this new system soon.

cory

Nov 21, 2014

AP integrated chronograph 2015

Can someone explain whether the new movement inside the new ROO selfwinding tourbillon chronograph Is this not the integrated chronograph movement developed inhouse by AP? What's coming end of 2015??? Thanks.

JerryW

Nov 21, 2014

What new ideas could be up their sleeves?

But as Kari spoke of the Jumbo, I agree. After buying a 15202 I do not really have a strong desire for any other AP model. JerryW

MichaelC

Nov 22, 2014

You, me, and Kari are paddling in the same boat.

The 15202 is it. I love wearing Royal Oak Offshores, and one day I will own a complicated AP. But the 15202 is "The ONE".