Audemars Piguet

After nearly 25 years of collecting AP and being a part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, I feel super emotional and humbled to pick up a special piece this year.

I posted something earlier, but perhaps one of the most memorable visuals that connected me to the brand some 25 years ago, was the below, whilst driving along the 405 in Los Angeles.



The steel skeleton perpetual was the first model that brought me to AP, and now nearly 25 years later, I am really pleased to pick up the 26585XT.



I will share more observations later, but just blown away by the incredible amalgamation of the new and the old in this hommage to the original skeleton perpetual - my favorite feature is actually the use of the vintage font on the numbers and the logo which I absolutely adore and are a wonderful contrast to the use of novel materials and the incredibly well-loved skeletonized movement. It's not 50m WR and it still needs pushers - but I feel extremely fortunate to receive this outstanding piece.

Big thank you to the AP team for supporting this allocation but a special thank you to MichaelC and the colleagues on TP and WPS for pulling me into this incredible AP journey. I'm sure there will be more to come in the future!!

Cheers
Peter

When you started to post the vintage piece just a few days ago I found it to be really aligned of my pickup! You must be a psychic!

Peter

The brushed titanium and ultra polished surfaces of the BMG really sparkle in bright lighting conditions.

Peter

I don't see a lot of daily wear by other collectors so I'm planning to wear it as much as possible.
Peter

But for the right piece I am willing to wait.

This one I would have waited a while! Maybe the only other piece I would have waited an eternity is the Starwheel.

Peter

Appreciate the note. Love the use of Titanium and BMG as it seems less prone to temperature fluctuations than steel. In some ways very similar to ceramic!
Peter

i can barely get ap to service a watch correctly! wondering what it takes to get such an allocation

And I would assume you would need to send to Switzerland and the Atelier to do the right work for your special pieces.

I don't believe it takes 25 years to get an allocation like this for a normal person - but as with other new and desirable pieces by AP, PP, and RM - you need to be a) a top football player, b) a top artist / singer, or c) a senior member of a royal family

Cheers
Peter

So it's grit, patience, and a lot of spend and a strong collection history...

Peter

I do feel super lucky to get allocated this piece. Honestly it was more a "dream piece" which I had assumed would not go to me, so I was completely emotional and shocked when I was offered the allocation. In addition, even after the verbal commitment I still didn't believe it until I picked it up and paid for it!! It isn't until I have this on my wrist, on AP coverage, and worn outside that I feel it's mine!!!

Cheers
Peter

I feel I don't do so much around here, especially lately.  It has been since the Starwheel that I had a new AP, but I love seeing all of the new additions from our amazing Community.

As always your note means a lot!

Perhaps in the last few years, this piece and the Starwheel have been my favorite releases by AP - a proper bit of blending the old and new - and so when you received your Starwheel I was super happy you were one of the first deserving people to receive it!

Again, looking at old TP posts - I'm only beginning to experience the full extent of AP's craftsmanship and artisanship in the last year - and I've always been amazed and jealous that you got to participate in one of the most amazing times in AP's history. I just hope to continue this journey and share this collective passion on TP going forward!

Thanks again for the note - and hope to see your next piece in the future?

Cheers
Peter

And weighs about 125g on the wrist with all links attached - which is exactly the weight of a 39mm steel jumbo. Very comfortable!

Peter

Appreciate the note -

Peter

Really superb and thoughtful in execution. And finally a box to match

Peter

Excellence one for AP lover

You too having a collection par Excellence - and I'm jealous of your many wonderful skeleton jumbos and your 150th CODE! I bet there is more coming for both of us...

Cheers
Peter

It’s very special indeed. A grail or grails. Enjoy it in the best of health.

Is my grail for sure in 2025 and probably my favorite piece in the collection.

Cheers
Peter

Spectacular watch, the perfect combination of elegance, complication and wearability. Congratulations.