Audemars Piguet: The Trendsetter

With the higher-end watch lover in mind, Audemars Piguet, which is nominated for a Luxist Award, made independently owned luxury watch makers mainstream. An innovator in combining luxury with sport themed watches, Audemars Piguet stands equally as an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, as well as being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future.

Back in the 1970s Audemars Piguet shocked the worlds with the Royal Oak, a sport themed watch that commanded a price never before seen on a steel timepiece. The classic timepiece remains one of their most popular lines of watch that come in a wealth of exotic materials, complications, colors, and limited editions.

Audemars Piguet has been closely aligned with pop culture icons and important figures for decades. They've made special edition watches for clients ranging to former US Presidents, to Hollywood mega stars, and top athletes. What attracts them all is the brand's dedication to matching the high quality and intrigue of the inside of the watch, with the outside. As such, Audemars Piguet has always been considered a trend setter, often copied even by competing haute luxury brands.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande complication watch

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch is a masterpiece of exceptional haute horlogerie. Drawing upon a depth of watchmaking experience that can be traced to the earliest beginnings of the house of Audemars Piguet, the Royal Oak Grande Complication watch features a movement composed of more than 600 hand finished pieces. This extraordinary, complex creation demands many months of labor to complete and demonstrates one of the most celebrated achievements in all of complicated watchmaking.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch displays the essential elements that comprise the fabled "Grand Complication"---a perpetual calendar, a split-seconds chronograph, and a minute repeater. The perpetual calendar complication indicates day of the week, date, month, and the leap year cycle, its complex mechanism automatically taking into account the different length of months throughout the year, most notably February, as it varies throughout the 4-year cycle. The split-seconds chronograph, representing the most prestigious type of chronograph complication, features two central chronograph hands, which are usually superimposed; however, by pressing the split-seconds button (which is co-axial with the winding crown of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch) the split-seconds hand freezes, while the main hand continues onward; a second push of this button causes the hand to immediately overtake the primary hand and re-synchronize with it. This innovative chronograph complication allows for the measurement of two separate events, but due to its complexity, it remains a specialty of only a few accomplished watchmakers. Like all traditional split-second chronograph mechanisms, the chronograph control of this Audemars Piguet timepiece is governed by a column wheel, which ensures optimum smoothness and precision in the controls of the chronograph.

Last but certainly not least, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch's minute repeater represents something remarkable each and of itself. This immensely difficult complication relies on a complex arrangement of racks, cams, and snails to translate the position of the hands into a series of coordinated strikes which clearly spell out the time in a beautiful series of chimes. Each time the slide lever on the found on the left side of the Royal Oak Grande Complication watch is activated, the hour will be struck on a low chime, the quarter hour(s) will be indicated on a high-low combination chime, and the individual minutes will be indicated with individual high chimes. Visible through the exhibition sapphire caseback, one can admire the multi-layered complexity of the fully integrated Audemars Piguet 2885 Caliber watch movement, as well as its luxurious hand refinement; this includes Cotes de Geneve striping on the bridges, and anglage (chamfering) on all the edges of the steel parts, including the hammers of the minute repeater, which also display a stunning specular polish. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Grande Complication watch features a massive case and bracelet which is crafted exclusively from 18K gold (yellow, pink, or white) or 950 platinum. The famous Royal Oak watch design demonstrates the characteristic contrast between brushed and polished surfaces, as well as unparalleled attention to detail, with many dozens of hand-finished facets in all between the case, bracelet, and bezel; as is the case with all Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepieces, the Royal Oak Grande Complication watch shows off the unique octagonal bezel with 8 hexagonal screws whose slots are all aligned to form a circle.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Baguette

Audemars Piguet’s celebrated Royal Oak collection has become synonymous with this prestigious brand over the years – characterised by an octagonal bezel secured with eight hexagonal screws, and a lithe bracelet that ensures wrist mobility.

Together with master-jewellers of Le Brassus, Audemars Piguet presents two new interpretations of the Lady Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore in 18-carat white gold, embellished with baguette-cut diamonds painstakingly arranged to attain a seamless surface of diamonds.

For women, the Lady Royal Oak houses a quartz movement with exquisite hand-finished movement parts, 520 baguette-cut diamonds (totalling approximately 37.86 carats), and a rose-cut diamond for its crown.

On the other hand, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore for men sports a self-winding calibre, bevelled and rhodium-plated movement parts, and 590 baguette-cut diamonds (totalling approximately 55.85 carats). Most notably, the bracelets of both models retain the aesthetics of the Royal Oak bracelet with strategically positioned stones amidst a complex combination of links and pins. Both baguette-cut diamond models are exclusively made to order.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Dive Watch 2010 New Model

This model is water-resistant to 300 meters and thus well able to withstand the incredible pressure exercised in the depths of the ocean. It is sure to delight sub-aquatic enthusiasts, while also finding favor with non-divers well acquainted with fine technical and sporting watchmaking accomplishments. They will see it as a sturdy, reliable timepiece that is resistant to strong pressures, shocks, as well as to magnetic phenomena, presented within a collection that has already proved its mettle in the world of sports watches: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection.

The Swiss watch industry norms (NIHS) that also comply with international standards lay down a certain number of specific criteria that must be met by a watch if it is to be termed a “diver's watch”. (NIHS 92-11, ISO 6425). The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver meets and even surpasses these requirements. It is equipped with a diving scale on an inner rotating dial ring that is activated via a unidirectional click mechanism linked to the 10 o'clock crown. The wearer can only turn the device by deliberately unscrewing. Since this is an inner dial ring rather than a rotating bezel, the case middle also serves as a rampart to protect the rotation mechanism. It is watertight to 300 meters, resistant to shocks, to magnetic fields, to external forces and to saline water. Finally, all the indications are readable in the dark from a distance of 25 cm.

The sense of power and distinction exuded by the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver stems both from its performances and its appearance. The inimitable and legendary octagonal shape has become an emblem of sports watches. It appears here more forcefully than ever. Loyal to its origins, the case is of course in stainless steel. The satin-brushed or polished finishes of the case enliven the steel and create a play on contrasts. The rubber-molded 10 o'clock crown accentuates the technical nature of this model, while the black rubber joint beneath the bezel echoes the rubber-molded crowns and the strap with distinctive features including an octagonal bezel fitted with eight polished hexagonal screws. The dial adorned with the distinctive black “Méga Tapisserie” pattern characteristic of the Royal Oak Offshore collection provides a perfect backdrop for the baton hour-markers along with the hour, minute and seconds hands, all of which are both faceted and luminescent. Finally, displaying the diving scale as close as possible to the dial minimizes the risk of accidentally modifying the dive time, and also facilitates dive-time readings.

For its new diver's watch, Audemars Piguet has opted for a decidedly pared-down approach. This is a straightforward selfwinding model without any complications. A diver's watch in all its pristine simplicity. It is equipped with the stellar Manufacture Audemars Piguet selfwinding movement: Calibre 3120. Constantly fine-tuned and perfected, the latter is distinguished by its impressive reliability and by the extreme care lavished on its finishing.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01

Movement

Proprietary Calibre 3120, selfwinding

Total diameter : 26.60 mm

Casing diameter: 11.5 lignes (26 mm)

Thickness: 4.25 mm

40 jewels

278 parts

22-carat gold oscillating weight

Up to 60-hour power reserve

Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour

Variable-inertia balance with eight inertia-blocks and flat balance-spring

Geneva-type mobile balance-spring stud holder

Three-position winding stem

Finishing: all parts finely decorated; mainplate circular-grained; bridges rhodium-plated, chamfered, snailed and adorned with Côtes de Genève. Diamond-polished jewel sinks; wheels with chamfered spokes and diamond-polished jewel sinks; chamfered screw rims and slots

Oscillating weight engraved with the AP monogram and the Audemars and Piguet family crests

Case

Stainless steel

Black rubber crowns

Diameter: 42 mm

Thickness: 13.75 mm

Back with medallion bearing the legend Royal Oak Offshore

Water-resistant to 300 metres

Dial

Black with exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” motif

Inner rotating ring with diving scale

Applied gray hour-markers with luminescent coating

Faceted white gold hour and minute hands with luminescent coating

Strap

Black rubber with oversized stainless steel pin buckle

Functions

Hours and minutes

Dive-time measurement

Date

Audemars Piguet Dual Time Millenary Maserati

Tradition, excellence and daring : the watchmaking firm Audemars Piguet and the car manufacturer Maserati share a number of values.Those that have established the success of their respective companies and enabled the creation of exceptional watches and cars. No doubt because each of them, out of a constant concern for perfection characterised by major technological innovations,has developed an inimitable style.

This creation dedicated to the Italian carmaker forms part of the Millenary collection, whose case evokes the architecture of the Rome Coliseum. The oval shape of this case, featuring both modernism and classicism,is particularly suited to this new interpretation,inspired by the Maserati design and spirit.

For this edition,the sides of the Millenary case are now straight,and thus,through their very pronounced taut lines,in opposition with the gentleness of the oval shape.Moreover,to improve the general ergonomics of the watch and increase its volume,the crystal and case-back are cambered.

The crown adopts a more structured shape.All changes which,on this atypical geometric shape,required the use of novel manufacturing processes,especially for the case finishing stages.

For its dial,the Audemars Piguet Dual Time Millenary Maserati takes on revolutionary three-dimensional looks.The dial consists of four separate pieces,two of which - the main hour circle and the power reserve indication area - are inclined at different angles and oriented toward the centre, thus lending an astonishing relief structure to the whole.The analogue date display and the two hour circles are offset at their centre.

Whatever the version,the hour and minute hands,luminescent and off-centred,move round the main dial with its Arabic numerals.This sober decor is enhanced by the famous Maserati symbol,the gold applique trident,and two touches of bright red:the hand designating the hours of the day or night and the 31st day of the month,to which is added,only for the pink gold timekeeper,the power reserve indication when the latter is nearing its end.

Finally,for the celebration,the case-back is stamped with the "Audemars Piguet Millenary" and "Limited Edition" indications and the commemorative logo "Maserati Anniversary 90". It was in 1990 that the Dual-Time calibre was launched in the marketplace,the first wristwatch powered by a single movement capable of displaying two time zones simultaneously.

In a self-winding watch, the energy needed for operation is produced by the movements of the wrist.This mechanical energy is harnessed by an oscillating weight with an 18-carat gold segment and transmitted to the mainspring through a gear-train.

As the spring winds gradually around an arbor,it stores this energy,which is subsequently restored in a controlled manner to the watch movement.The maximum power reserve is reached after a period of time varying from several hours to some days,depending on the owner and the amount of physical activity.

To prevent overtensioning of the mainspring,it is released at the appropriate moment by a sophisticated system which allows it to slip inside the barrel drum.

Technical data for movement:

Overall height of movement : 4.90 mm

Overall diameter of movement : 26.60 mm (113/4 lignes)

Casing diameter : 26.00 mm (111/2 lignes)

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour (4 Hz)

Number of jewels : 37

Power reserve at full wind : 40 hours

Automatic winding in one direction (to the left)

Gold-coloured barrel, coated with a gold/copper/cadmium alloy

Bearing-mounted rotor, with 21-carat gold segment

'KIF Elastor ' shock safety system for balance

Balance wheel with moment of inertia adjustable by means of 4 gold screws (thread dia.: 0.29 mm)

Fine control system

Number of parts : 261

Audemars Piguet Millenary watch with deadbeat seconds

Showcasing the exceptional expertise of Audemars Piguet, this creation with its surprising design admirably embodies the inventive traditions of the watchmakers from the Vallée de Joux.

With its regulating organ drawing all eyes to 9 o’clock, the new Audemars Piguet Millenary with deadbeat seconds watch provides a live lesson in mechanical watchmaking. The star of the show is of course the new escapement with the sharp edges of the wheel, its guard-pin and the unusual shape of its ruby pallet-stones. The escapement platform has in fact been turned around so as to make the escapement visible from the dial side, and the plate has been hollowed to reveal the mechanism. One can thus admire the large variable-inertia balance guaranteeing enhanced chronometry, and the small white gold inertia-blocks enabling fine adjustment. A discerning eye will also note an unusual construction in terms of the balance-spring. Calibre 2905 features two balance-springs placed one on top of the other, but at a 180° angle. This “head-to-tail” flat double balance-spring system has several advantages. It does away with the need for the so-called Breguet overcoils on balance-springs, which are very tricky to build, and thus avoids the potential inconveniences linked to the slightly asymmetrical development of the balance-spring. It automatically compensates for the possible poising flaws of the balance-springs and it eliminates imprecisions due to the vertical position of the watch without needing to resort to a device as sophisticated as a tourbillon. All these distinctive features enable an extremely fine adjustment of the sprung balance, which beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, resulting in improved precision.

The off-centred subdial at 7 o’clock includes another exclusive technical feature known as “deadbeat seconds”. Already a complex construction in itself, the deadbeat seconds mechanism represents a genuine feat when it is miniaturised to wristwatch size. In its traditional form, deadbeat seconds call for an additional going train driven by a second barrel. In keeping with their persistent quest for innovation, the Audemars Piguet watchmakers decided to explore new paths in order to simplify the construction and economise a maximum of energy. To achieve this, they devised a system with two superimposed seconds-wheels driven by a “differential”: one is free and moves steadily forward, while the other carries wolf’s teeth and moves in jerks – hence the little touch of visual magic and the impression that the watch is literally beating off the seconds.

The Millenary with deadbeat seconds is impressive for more reasons than its precision alone. It is also distinguished by its ability to stay the distance thanks to excellent endurance. The new hand-wound Calibre 2905 boasts a 7-day (168-hour) power reserve. To ensure such autonomy, Audemars Piguet has equipped it with a large-diameter double barrel system featuring a locking mechanism guaranteeing optimal performance. Their combined length and the meticulously calculated geometry means that this two series-coupled barrels are able to ensure a 9-day (216-hour) power reserve. However, the energy supplied by the mainspring when it is fully wound and when it is almost uncoiled is not of optimal quality and constancy. Audemars Piguet watchmakers have therefore devised a locking system that avoids using the first turns of the barrel (1st day of power reserve) as well as the last turns (on the 9th day). The result is a 7-day power reserve guaranteeing optimal performance throughout.

The new hand-wound Audemars Piguet Calibre 2905 is an oval-shaped movement comprising 233 parts. It is derived from the Calibre 2899 movement housed in Cabinet N° 5 in the Tradition d’Excellence. In addition to its outstanding technical properties, epitomised by the Audemars Piguet escapement, it is also distinguished by the care lavished on the shape and finishing of its constituent parts. All components are entirely hand-finished in the noblest fine watchmaking traditions: bevelling, rhodium-plating, and, depending on the part, “côtes de Genève“ and stippling. This concern for detail is reflected on the back of the watch. The sapphire crystal enables one to admire the twin barrels rotating within an extremely contemporary geometrical stage-setting featuring the ratchets and the jewelled bearings. A spectacular dance of suns, stars and satellites, against a backdrop adorned with horizontal “côtes de Genève“. In harmony with the standards of fine watchmaking, the fastening screws with their points of attachment arranged in a triangular pattern are linked by a circle when their direction is reversed. To ensure the harmonious visual appeal of this arrangement, this three-point screw and circle layout is echoed in the centre of the barrel, adorned with a radiating motif known as a sunburst effect. The Millenary with deadbeat seconds is teamed with an elegant hand-sewn alligator leather strap with large scales, fitted with a pink gold AP folding clasp.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch is a classic member of the famed Royal Oak collection of timepieces. Created by Audemars Piguet in 1972, the Royal Oak watch quickly became a modern legend, its exquisite craftsmanship, and unique design coming to epitomize the entire genre of exclusive luxury sports timepieces.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch features a case and integral bracelet that demonstrate remarkable attention to detail. The complex case of the Royal Oak watch, with its eight-sided bezel, and intricate bracelet comprises dozens of hand polished facets and planes, some of which are brushed and others which are polished. This form demands intensive hand finishing, and a great deal of experience, however, the end result is a wonderful treat for both the eye and the touch, which exudes the highest level of luxury and fine quality. This quality is also echoed inside of the watch.

Concealed beneath the caseback lies the selfwinding AP 2124/2825 caliber. Based upon the excellent Jaeger LeCoultre 889 base movement, this luxurious mechanism provides indications for both the day and the date, as well as a moonphase indicator. The 2124/2825 caliber winds efficiently thanks to a bidirectional rotor which is equipped with a 21K gold segment to provide greater inertia. This movement reflects the proud craftsmanship practiced in the Audemars Piguet workshop in Le Brassus, Switzerland, and displays all the traditional techniques, including perlage on the plate, and Cotes de Geneve and anglage on the bridges and winding rotor.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch is presented in stainless steel, 18K yellow gold, or a combination of stainless steel and 18K yellow gold. A variety of dial colors are offered for this distinguished sports watch classic, including silver, blue, or black, depending upon the model--these dials demonstrate a fine "Grand Tapisserie" pattern, whose intricacy perfectly complements the Royal Oak case and bracelet; the polished gold hands and hour markers of the Royal Oak Day Date watch feature luminous material, which ensure that the timepiece can be easily read, even at night. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Day Date watch is joined to its owners wrist by an elegant deployant clasp which features a secure release mechanism signed with the Audemars Piguet initials.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon watch

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon watch is an exquisite example of haute de gamme watchmaking. Audemars Piguet has taken the celebrated form of the Royal Oak watch and enriched it with the most celebrated complication in all of watchmaking.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon watch is animated by a manually wound movement whose balance wheel beats at a pace of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The tourbillon completes a single rotation each hour, as its cage bears the balance wheel, and the components of the escapement. The chronograph mechanism, enriched with a 30-minutes counter, is fully integrated into the movement architecture (as opposed to being modular) and is controlled by the traditional means of a column wheel; this method is de rigeur on the finest chronograph watches, and ensures that the action of the chronograph mechanism is of the utmost smoothness and precision. Each component inside the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon watch has been painstakingly refined by hand. The plates and bridges of the movement are decorated with hand-applied perlage and Cotes de Geneve patterns, and the steel levers of the chronograph and the edges of the bridges display chamfered edges. The settings for jewels and screws are fully beveled and polished, as are the screws, which are each individually polished, both on their top and sides. The steel tourbillon bridge, visible from the dial side, is painstakingly chamfered so that no sharp edge remains, and a fine polish applied.

Audemars Piguet is offering this exceptional Royal Oak watch in a range of variations in 18K gold (yellow, pink, or white), platinum, or stainless steel. The case and bracelet of this timepiece shares a heritage with all Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch models. The surface of the watch displays many dozens of hand-finished facets, and an immensely rich contrast between satin brushed and polished surfaces. The characteristic porthole bezel with its eight sides frames an intricate dial that shows off a "Grande Tapisserie" pattern; around the bezel are the characteristic white gold hexagonal screws, whose slots align to form a circle.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Lady Alinghi watch

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Lady Alinghi watch is a striking high luxury sports timepiece for women. With its stunning white dial, rubber strap, and sparkling diamond bezel, the Royal Oak Offshore Lady Alinghi watch has a unique presence that is casual yet surprisingly beautiful.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Lady Alinghi watch features a 37mm case crafted from stainless steel; it displays a complex array of angles whose brushed and polished surfaces demand expert attention to hand finishing; the chronograph pushpieces and crown are coated with white rubber. The characteristic eight-sided bezel, also covered in white rubber, is set with 32 sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds, which are spaced in groups of four between the hexagonal white gold bezel screws. Equally captivating is the intricate spiral flinque guilloche dial set off with white gold hands and cabochon hour markers; the 12-hour chronograph register features the distinctive red symbol of the famous yacht team, Alinghi.

Audemars Piguet has fitted the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Lady Alinghi watch is completed by a white rubber strap that connects to the wrist via an elegant folding clasp shaped like the Audemars Piguet initials. This captivating Audemars Piguet timepiece will be produced in a limited series of only 320 pieces worldwide.

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Skeleton Equation of Time watch

The Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Skeleton Equation of Time watch is a masterpiece of haute horlogerie. With this masterpiece, Audemars Piguet has produced a complicated watch which showcases significant astronomic complications, and also demonstrates the rare and precious art of the skeleton movement. This exquisite timepiece is offered exclusively in a platinum case; measuring 39mm in diameter, the fine Jules Audemars case shows off a pleasing alternation of brushed and polished surfaces, highlighting the ultra fine craftsmanship of the watch.

A glimpse into the sapphire dial gives hint of the extraordinary complexity inherent to the 2120/2882 caliber movement, which boasts 423 individual components. The perpetual calendar mechanism of this watch indicates day of the week, date, month, leap year, and phases of the moon, all without any need for manual correction from the wearer.

It is equipped with specific cams and a calibrated bezel, that allow for the watch to correctly show time of sunrise and sunset, to within a minute, of the wearer's location.This watch accurately indicates the moment of solar culmination--that time in which the sun reaches its highest point in the observer's meridian. By utilizing the supplementary equation of time hand, one can accurately calculate the mathematical difference (ranging between -16 and +15 minutes throughout the year) between true solar time, as measured by a sundial, and mean solar time which for convenience sake divides the day evenly into 24 hour periods. The exquisite Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Skeleton Equation of Time watch is produced in extremely small numbers each year, and it is supplied with a crocodile strap, and an elegant AP folding clasp in platinum.

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph watch

The Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph watch is a superb example of haute horlogerie at its summit, both technically and aesthetically. By combining a hand-wound column-wheel controlled chronograph with two of the most difficult complications in watchmaking, Audemars Piguet has created a stunningly beautiful luxury timepiece for the most discriminating of collectors and aficionados.

The stunning dials of the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph watch, display an intricate guilloche pattern which radiates in a fan-like pattern from the center of the dial, and is set off by elegant Roman numerals and leaf hands, all crafted from solid gold, and finely hand polished. The aperture at six o'clock shows the tourbillon cage, mounted on a polished steel bridge; its freely sprung balance features weighted screws, and beats at a pace of 21,600 vibrations per hour; each minute, the tourbillon cage completes a single revolution. Turning this exquisite Audemars Piguet timepiece on its backside reveals a movement that is in full accord with the highest degree of haute de gamme craftsmanship. All bridges are decorated with hand-applied Cotes de Geneve patterns, while the individual steel components display edges which have been meticulously chamfered and polished. Screw and jewel settings are countersunk, and each of these are also carefully polished.

By operating the chronograph mechanism, the exceptional refinement of this exclusive and extremely complex Audemars Piguet movement can be easily felt; at the same time its functions will fascinate lovers of mechanical watchmaking, as the precise advances of the column-wheel can be clearly admired. Equally captivating, are the hammers of the minute repeater which can be seen striking the gongs whenever the minute repeater is activated. Due to its technical intricacy, and the consequent demands it places upon the master watchmakers capable of building it, only a handful of these Audemars Piguet watches will leave the workshop in Le Brassus, Switzerland each year. Each Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Tourbillon Minute Repeater chronograph watch is completed by a fine hand-sewn and remborded crocodile strap equipped with a folding clasp in gold or platinum, elegantly shaped like the Audemars Piguet initials.