Audemars Piguet SIHH 2013 Grande Report

MichaelC · 2013-01-28T14:41:07Z

MichaelC's 'Grande Report' on Audemars Piguet at SIHH 2013, covering new Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complications, ceramic Diver, and interviews with key figures.

Well my Friends, it is time to begin PuristSPro in-depth coverage of Audemars Piguet's presentation at the 2013 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. This thread will be ongoing for the coming weeks, as we add and develop the various components of this year's showings.

I would like to begin by thanking Audemars Piguet for their long standing support of thePuristS and PuristSPro. We were provided tremendous access to the new novelties and other watches, as well as important interviews with brand members and staff. It is readily apparent how close the AP Team is, and it was very enjoyable working with them.

This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-01-28 15:34:01 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-02-14 09:22:12

Key Points from the Discussion

The Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication was the true star of SIHH 2013, marking the 20th Anniversary of the Offshore with its first-ever Grande Complication, equipped with the exceptional Calibre 2885.
The Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph was a personal favorite, embodying AP's 2013 theme of 'Tradition / Complications' with its exquisite execution.
AP's continuous production of Grande Complication timepieces since 1882 is a unique claim in the industry, underscoring their unparalleled heritage in haute horlogerie.
The 2013 collection also featured a new ceramic-cased Royal Oak Offshore Diver, showcasing AP's continued mastery in finishing ceramic, which is 7 times harder than steel.
Interviews with Artistic Director Octavio Garcia and master watchmaker Giulio Papi provided rare insights into AP's design philosophy and watchmaking prowess, highlighting the brand's commitment to innovation and tradition.
The 2013 novelties reinforced AP's strategic repositioning from 2011, which emphasized the development of the Millenary and Jules Audemars lines alongside new 44mm Offshores.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Jan 28, 2013

Part I - Review, Status, and 2013 Theme

In order to properly set the stage for the current direction at AP and best understand the new novelties, it is important to make a quick review of the past two years. In 2011, we saw a repositioning of the brand. While the new 44mm Offshores were launched, a big emphasis was placed upon the development of the Millenary and Jules Audemars lines. Some wonderful new models took center stage, including the spectacular Millenary 4101: Jules Audemars Dual Time: Jules Audemars Self Winding: Jules Aude

RTO (T8W8T8)

Jan 29, 2013

That is the difference!

Marvelous coverage so far Michael! That is why Purists is my favorite and a must daily reading forum to me. It is not just about pictures of the novelties or whoever post it first but a perfect link between past, present and future on the development of a brand (in this case AP). It is instructional, educative making you collector understand why the brand took this or that pathway and its future. Once again Michael, great coverage with a special care and commitment on explaning details to us. Aw

MichaelC

Jan 31, 2013

Thanks RTO.

I am definitely attempting to add some of the insight that was translated at the show, as it really pertains to not just this year but the coming years as well.

AllThingsWatches

Jan 29, 2013

Thanks MIchael

Can't wait to see the coverage.

MichaelC

Jan 31, 2013

Appreciate the patience my Friend :-) [nt]

Ed. W

Jan 30, 2013

Seems like AP is learning from the Sterns

who decided that it was dangerous to let the Nautilus take over the brand. Good move.

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation