Messenger of Time: A Short Review of Audemars Piguet

　　Audemars PiguetThe watch has consistently walked a fine line between traditional watchmaking and experimental horology. Some might argue that Audemars Piguet is the "Janus" of Swiss watchmaking. The brand has representatively utilised its striking Royal Oak Offshore to highlight its exterior; every single piece in the minimalist Jules Audemars collection is a masterpiece...

　　Introduction to Audemars Piguet

　　At the 2011 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, Audemars Piguet demonstrated that tradition and the avant-garde can coexist. The Jules Audemars collection attracted immense attention with no fewer than 5 new timepieces, some of which featured modifications. Clearly, the Audemars Piguet brand used Jules Audemars as a stage to combine seriousness with absolute traditional solemnity, showcasing masterpieces such as minute repeaters—one of the most difficult and complex feats in watchmaking—which chime the hours, quarters and minutes simultaneously.

　　In fact, this year Audemars Piguet opted for downsizing within the Jules Audemars line, steering clear of anything excessively luxurious or complicated. Offerings include the ultra-thin calibre 2120, a triple-variation automatic watch, a moon-phase calendar watch, a dual-time triple-variation watch, and a ladies' small seconds watch, though none of these feature a perpetual calendar.

　　Among the 5 main products released by the Audemars Piguet brand, none exceed a diameter of 41mm; this point clearly highlights the distinct constraints of this collection. It is also a point Audemars Piguet is eager to remind observers of: that this is the line closest to its roots. The brand refers to this expansion of the Jules Audemars collection as a retrospective of its foundations while concurrently marking an important milestone.

　　Those seeking the "large and complicated" need to leave behind pure tradition and step into the 21 century. For such watch enthusiasts, the Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon is particularly alluring. Audemars Piguet suggests viewing the watch closely, right up until it is flipped over to reveal a movement whose beauty is to be admired. Clearly, the watch is an automatic mechanical creation featuring a tourbillon mechanism and chronograph functions, yet it is far from a myth. As for its movement, a single glance makes it abundantly clear that this remains a very traditional timepiece, even if it is housed within a highly contemporary case.

　　Calibre 2897 is exquisitely finished, featuring fully integrated movement architecture and mirror-polished hand-bevelled edges. This watch marks a beginning, as it also incorporates perlage, graining and various other distinctive finishing touches. Collectors familiar with the shapes and styles of older pocket watch movements will recognise calibre 2897 as a tribute to vintage pocket watch movements.

　　Naturally, only a select few Royal Oak Offshore watches are designed to leave onlookers transfixed. Audemars Piguet loyalists share much in common with Royal Oak Offshore fan Arnold Schwarzenegger; this watch highlights every facet of the former governor's peak moments through the Royal Oak Offshore collection. For clients who remain unsatisfied, the line also includes three new precision chronographs, each featuring distinct case materials. From ceramic and titanium to pink gold and titanium, as well as stainless steel and ceramic, the Royal Oak Offshore remains as dependable as a rock.

　　Stunner of the 2011 watchmaking year was the Millenary watch, a line conceived when the brand sought a compromise between tradition and trends. Among the two notable new releases, one is an exceptional minute repeater that surpasses its counterpart in the Jules Audemars collection; calibre 2910 boasts a brand-new movement equipped with Audemars Piguet's unique balance wheel.

　　Finally, the 2011 Audemars Piguet exhibition drew to a close with the Millenary 4101. It is a straightforward chronograph that contrasts sharply with comparable models in the aforementioned Jules Audemars collection. The brand asserts that this watch's movement surpasses others, and indeed it does. However, it is not an openworked construction; instead, it is replaced by architecture specifically designed to highlight its finest characteristics.

　　Having seen this, I recommend a popular bestselling Audemars Piguet watch. Friends who want to know more can add WeChat to consult.

　　Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Series Watch 15400OR.OO.D002CR.01

　　Review:

　　◆ The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series 41 mm large case possesses a unique contemporary character.

　　◆ Equipped with a Citizen 9015 mechanical movement to provide a precise timekeeping experience.

　　◆ Features an octagonal bezel that creates a subtle contrast between brushed and polished finishes, secured by 8 hexagonal screws just like white gold.

　　◆ Equipped with a screw-locked crown, glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback.

　　A water resistance of 50 metres easily handles daily water exposure.

　　Paired with a calfskin strap, it balances a masculine edge with refined elegance, making it ideal for men.

　　Summary: With skilled craftsmanship and clever mechanical structure design, Audemars Piguet leaves us with a precious horological heritage. The Audemars Piguet watches recommended here feature fine workmanship and guaranteed quality. If you wish to purchase, please add WeChat to enquire.

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