This is probably the most iconic and revolutionary watch ever made by Audemars Piguet and one every collector should own at least for a while.
Marking 30 years of the original
Royal Oak, the first
Royal Oak Concept
was, in a way, never supposed to exist in its own right. Rather,
explains Sébastian Vivas, Museum and Heritage Director at Audemars
Piguet, it was a mere ‘stylistic exercise’. However, step by step, the
watch formed its own identity. The watch elevated Audemars Piguet to new
heights by going against the status quo of its fellow traditional watch
manufacture: embracing a starkly futuristic design.
The first Royal Oak Concept, known as CW1, housed a
new calibre (the 2896) in a case made of Alacrite 602. Unsurprisingly,
the super-alloy was unknown in the watch industry, being generally
reserved for the aerospace and medical industries. The super-alloy
consists of 57 percent cobalt, 31 percent chrome, 5 percent tungsten,
and small amounts of carbon, silicon, and iron. Boasting a Vickers
hardness of 430, yet still being both light and durable, it proved an
excellent protector of the complex movement within.
The calibre 2896 offered a number of very unusual features alongside a
power reserve of about 70 hours. Perhaps most memorably, the watchmaker
integrated a dynamographe. A dynamographe indicates the torque supplied
by the mainspring – in other words, the quantity of force being applied.
In addition, Audemars Piguet went a step further than integrating a
tourbillon by adding distinctive absorbers, making it shock-resistant up
to 50 Gs.
Perching above the titanium bezel, the crown’s pusher controls the mode
of the watch. These functions are on display at 6 o’clock, indicating
whether the calibre’s mode is neutral (N for neutre), winding (R for remonter), or time-setting (H for heure). This would later become a common characteristic of many Concept models. The final key feature on the dial is a linear power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock.
While watch dials displaying parts of hugely complex movements are the norm in haute horlogerie today, the first Royal Oak Concept broke
down many traditional watchmaking barriers, arguably transforming the
face of the brand forever. With its many quirks, the CW1 played a pivotal role in building the bridge between traditional watchmaking and futuristic design.
Mine is a beautiful watch that i have loved owning for every minute but unfortunately need to sell this masterpiece as i move on to the next stage of my life. I am based in Japan and will ship anywhere in the world. i prefer to be paid by wire transfer but will accept Paypal or other payment options if you pay any additional costs. I will use whatever shipping method you prefer.
Japan
