Audemars Piguet SIHH 2013 Novelties Overview

MichaelC · 2013-01-24T20:35:29Z

Explore Audemars Piguet's 2013 SIHH novelties, including new Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complications, Perpetual Calendars, and ceramic Diver models. Get insights on AP's strategy.

MichaelC

WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum

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MichaelC provides an early look at Audemars Piguet's 2013 SIHH novelties, highlighting the brand's strategic direction and commitment to defining its core collection. This initial overview sets the stage for a deeper exploration of AP's offerings, including significant updates to the Royal Oak Offshore and a strong focus on women's watches. His insights from the event offer valuable context for understanding AP's trajectory in the luxury watch market.

Here is a quick summary of the new watches presented this week in Geneva by Audemars Piguet. Beginning in a few days, we will be exploring in much more detail not only the following watches, but also the current state of affairs at AP. The brand has been working diligently to bring clear and concise definition to its core collection, while constructing the road map for the foreseeable future. I'm convinced the strategy is solid, and we will enjoy great things from AP for years to come. More on these important matters soon.

And now, the new watches for 2013, beginning with the Tradition minute repeater tourbillon chronograph, shown here in a titanium case with white gold bezel:

Perhaps no greater tribute to the 20th Anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore could be made than the new series of Grande Complication pieces. Here is the titanium case with black ceramic bezel version:

Three new Royal Oak Offshore perpetual calendar pieces were released in small limited editions. The case size is 42mm, and is offered in platinum (10 pieces), pink gold (25 pieces), and titanium (35 pieces). Pink gold:

Titanium:

Next up, a ceramic cased Royal Oak Offshore Diver. This version has orange accents on the dial and is the first Diver to include an exhibition sapphire caseback, allowing the manufacture Calibre 3120 to be viewed:

The 44mm Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph is now offered with a ceramic case middle to match the ceramic bezel. This watch is essentially the same as the current forged carbon case / ceramic bezel 44mm Offshore, but is now all ceramic:

Women's watches are a large part of AP's 2013 theme. The collection is stunning. Starting off, a 41mm Jules Audemars extra-thin with a gem-set bezel. Also of note is the use of the calibre 2120:

The 39mm Jules Audemars selfwinding features one of the most beautiful dial guilloches I have ever seen:

The Jules Audemars small seconds comes in a 33mm case and is offered with a new 7 row bracelet in matching pink gold. It has a very supple feel:

A 37mm Royal Oak selfwinding is available in white gold for the first time. This is also the first 37mm offered in full-set diamonds:

White gold 33mm Royal Oak quartz, with full gem-set case and bracelet:

And perhaps we will find a few others to discuss:

Much more to come Friends, please stay tuned...

Key Points from the Discussion

The 39mm Jules Audemars selfwinding dial is particularly captivating, and the Offshore perpetual calendars are considered glorious, showcasing AP's improved dial layouts. A question was raised about a scratch on a gold bezel, which was attributed to the pieces being prototypes handled by many at SIHH.
The move to ceramic materials, especially on the new Royal Oak Offshore Diver with orange accents, is well-received for its aesthetic appeal and perceived reasonable price point. The contributor inquired about the buckle color on the Diver.
The ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Diver was a highlight, but the small movement and its finishing (possibly due to being a prototype) were noted as slightly disappointing. The women's collection and the Offshore Perpetual Calendar dial tweaks were also praised.
The focus on women's collections by several major brands, including AP and Vacheron Constantin, was observed as a notable trend. The diamond-encrusted Survivor model was described as 'awkward'.
The ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Diver's finishing was described as amazing, and the watch felt desirable on the wrist. The buckle was confirmed to be a titanium pin buckle, not blackened.
The attention to women's watches is a significant part of AP's strategy, and more details on this, along with a specific T3 model, will be covered in upcoming detailed reviews.

The Discussion

amanico

Jan 24, 2013

I was very happy to see you there, my fruend, and can't wait to read your detailed reviews. Best, Nicolas

DRMW

Jan 24, 2013

Thanks for the pics from SIHH, look forward to more! -MW

MichaelC

Jan 25, 2013

I am looking forward to the detailed examinations on JLC, as well!

MichaelC

Jan 25, 2013

I'll have more on this topic in the upcoming detailed review.

HPoirot

Jan 26, 2013

I find it strange and a little telling that a couple of big brands have chosen to focus on women's collection. Not that there's anything wrong with that. A quick look at VC's offerings and you'll get the same impression. Also, the diamond encrusted Survivor is.... awkward.

Tony-GB

Jan 27, 2013

Thanks for taking the time to post these excellent pics. The 39mm Jules Audemars selfwinding dial is absolutely hypnotic. I bet it's mesmerising in the flesh. The Offshore calendar's are just... well, glorious. AP are getting better & better at dial layout's. But I wonder how the bezel on the gold version came to be scratched? Thanks again.

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