SIHH 2011: Audemars Piguet - Three new Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs

Three new timepieces are joining the prestigious lineage of Royal Oak Offshore chronographs. Case size, design elements and the choice of materials represent a number of subtle touches that are forging a new path on which control meets strength. These timepieces that have now become a significant part of the collection are indeed distinguished by a perfect balance of forces. The collection’s signature codes are all there, since one simply cannot modify the identity of a legendary collection, the quintessential sports watch combining audacity and performance. The horological substance is also there, housed within a mechanical self-winding movement with exceptional finishing representing the pinnacle of watchmaking hand craftsmanship.

The case: outsized perfection

Historically, the Royal Oak Offshore is the largest of the large. Disproportionate? Gigantic? When it was first introduced in 1992, some even went so far as to claim it was an insult to good taste. It proved to be a pioneer! Its design echoed the vigorous shape of the Royal Oak, the famous octagon that in 1972 had shaken up the peaceful scene of classic round watches. But 20 years later, the Royal Oak Offshore was even sturdier and more masculine. It set the trend for large-sized watches that has continued ever since. Today, the Royal Oak Offshore collection is reaffirming its supremacy, since the case of the new threesome measures a full 44 millimeters.

In each of the three versions, the case is composed of two materials. Ceramics is associated with steel for the first, with forged carbon in the second, and with pink gold for the third. Forged carbon is a material borrowed from the field of aeronautics and which the Manufacture Audemars Piguet was the first to introduce into the world of fine watchmaking. The choice of ceramics for the bezel – the part most exposed to shocks and thus to scratches – is due to its extreme resistance and hardness. The level of finishing applied to this material deserves a mention, because although this material is currently much in favour in the watch industry, rarely is it finished with such meticulous care. Diamond-coated grinding wheels remove hundredths of a millimeter layers of material in order to achieve the same fine details one can achieve, but the process requires a large number of operations that are far more delicate and time-consuming.

The contrasting materials serve to underscore the stature of the 44 millimeter case middles. With their surface featuring a vertical satin-brushed finish and their polished chamfers, the ceramic bezels accentuate the strong character of the octagonal shape, which is punctuated by its eight polished steel hexagonal screws in keeping with the signature codes of the collection. It is instantly recognizable, repeatedly imitated, but as yet unequaled!

The right-hand side of the watch has been the object of particular care. The pushpiece-guards are not part of the case, but are instead composed of two separate parts secured to the case by four visible screws. The push-pieces are composed of two parts: a base and a top that serves as a contact surface. The construction is thus highly complex and calls for a large number of operations, especially since the parts feature a wide variety of finishes. The pushpiece-guards are bead-blasted and satin-brushed, while the push-pieces are bead-blasted and feature a satin-brushed and polished top. These models thus involve far more than just a change of size. The entire aesthetic of the case has been reworked. The clear-cut edges define a chronograph with taut, sculptured lines radiating self-assurance, efficiency and extreme technical sophistication.

The dial: a pure, modern look

The dials adopt an extremely understated style. Nothing is purely decorative, and everything has been designed to enhance their readability. They feature faceted hands in white or pink gold and are coated with a luminescent substance. The contrasting colors mainly aim to facilitate legibility: a silver-toned dial and bezel with black counters and anthracite hour-markers for the steel version; and a black dial and flange with silver-toned counters and pink gold hour-markers for the pink gold version. On the forged carbon model dominated by black tones, the hour-markers are highlighted in the luminescent green color typical of measuring instruments. The chronograph indications are distinguished by the red accents of the chronograph counter hands and the central sweep seconds hand. Each of the dials carries the collection’s trademark “Méga Tapisserie” motif, while the grooved black rubber strap also complies with the original identity codes.

The movement: mechanical splendor

Turning over the watch enables one to gaze through its transparent back to admire its beating heart. Developed on the basis of Audemars Piguet Calibre 3120, the 3126/3840 movement is distinguished by its extreme reliability. Its cross-through balance-bridge ensures improved shock-resistance, while its rating remains stable thanks to a variable-inertia balance fitted with eight inertia-blocks. Moreover, Calibre 3126/3840 provides excellent user-friendliness, particularly due to the instant-jump and fast-adjusted date mechanism, along with a 60-hour power reserve and a stop seconds device when setting the time.

One also notes the refined cutting out and meticulous craftsmanship lavished on this calibre may be admired through the sapphire crystal case-back. Hand-assembled and decorated in the Le Brassus workshops, this movement boasts an exceptional level of execution and finishing. Arranged in an elegantly harmonious manner, the bridges are carefully beveled and polished so as to reveal only clean-cut edges. The jewel sinks are diamond-polished, and the wheels feature beveled spokes and diamond-polished countersinks. Even the rim and lots of the screws are beveled. The mainplate is circular-grained on both sides and the bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève.

Finally, the newly developed oscillating weight is crafted all of a piece from a block of 22-carat gold and is coated with an anthracite galvanic treatment in harmony with the sporting and technical spirit of the collection. The AP emblem is surrounded by two bevel-finished.

26400AU.OO.A002CA.01

Case in forged carbon; bezel, crown and push-pieces in black ceramics; pushpiece-guards, fastening studs and pin buckle in titanium.

26400RO.OO.A002CA.01

Case, pushpiece-guards fastening studs and pin buckle in 18-carat pink gold; bezel, crown and push-pieces in black ceramics.

26400SO.OO.A002CA.01

Case, pushpiece-guards, fastening studs and pin buckle in stainless steel; bezel, crown and push-pieces in black ceramics.

Movement

Self-winding Calibre 3126/3840

Total diameter: 29.92 mm (131/4 lignes)

Casing diameter: 26 mm

Thickness: 7.16 mm

59 jewels

365 parts

Up to 60-hour power reserve

Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)

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 rhodiumed, beveled, snailed and adorned with Côtes de Genève. Diamond-polished jewel sinks; diamond-polished countersinks and beveled wheel spokes; beveled screw rims

Partially open-worked 22-carat gold oscillating weight with anthracite galvanic treatment

Cases

Diameter: 44 mm

Thickness: 14.43 mm

Exhibition back with sapphire crystal pane and Royal Oak Offshore engraving

Dials

Exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” engraving

Applied faceted white or pink gold hour-markers with luminescent coating.

Straps

Black rubber, adorned with two grooves

Functions

Hours and minutes

Small seconds at 12 o’clock

Chronograph with central sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock.

Tachometric scale on the flange

Date

SIHH 2011: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph

2011 marks a new milestone in the historic partnership between Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet, one of the most unique relationships in the watch industry. These two legends have collaborated to create the ultimate collector timepiece, The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph, a perfect blend of strength and control. This is anticipated to be the last watch in the series created by Schwarzenegger and Audemars Piguet.

Celebrating a Decade of Collaboration between Two Icons

The Royal Oak Offshore is the quintessential sports watch, a combination of audacity and performance, character traits that also define Arnold Schwarzenegger the actor, the politician and the man. This limited-edition timepiece, introduced today, is a vibrant tribute to this long-established friendship and like the previous designs in the Royal Oak Offshore portfolio, draws inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s onscreen roles as well as his human values. Like all the timepieces created in close cooperation between Audemars Piguet and Governor Schwarzenegger, the Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph is a materspiece of rugged elegance.

The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Chronograph is issued in a 1,500-piece limited edition, each engraved on the back with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy. Inspired by the case of the Royal Oak Offshore Arnold All-Stars Chronograph it is the first Audemars Piguet watch to feature an all-ceramic 48-millimeter case middle and bezel. The watch is supplied with an anthracite aramid fiber strap, along with an additional strap in hand-sewn black crocodile leather with large square scales.

Strength is Nothing Without Control

The combination of materials and exceptional level of finishing of the Royal Oak Offshore testifies to the consistent attention lavished on each and every detail. The sheer sophistication of its design makes this watch a showcase of an impressive range of technical know-how.

For the very first time in an Audemars Piguet watch, the case middle and bezel are made entirely from black ceramics. The true feat here does not lie in the use of ceramics, since watchmaking has shown an interest in this material for a certain time already, but instead in its level of finishing. In this case a diamond grinding-wheel removes tiny layers of material from the ceramics in order to achieve the same level of detail as on steel, while the process involves a number of different operations that are far more delicate and far more time-consuming. Thus the ceramic case appears to glow in a variety of light conditions and gives off a shimmering high-tech glow. The vertical satin-brushed surface of the case middle creates an attractive contrast with a beadblasted finish applied to its recessed upper and lower sections at 6 and 12 o’clock, generating a depth effect that makes the lugs stand out even more distinctly. The upper surface of the bezel is vertical satin-brushed, while the beveled sides are polished and shiny.

The contrast between black and anthracite is further enhanced by the use of bead-blasted titanium, chosen for the screws that punctuate the octagonal bezel, the pushpiece-guards, the two applied inserts on the left side of the case, the back of the watch, as well as the pin buckle of the strap.

To add the perfect finishing touch to the range of materials, the applied numerals, as well as the hour-markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock are crafted in vertical diamond-polished pink gold; the gold of the push-pieces is adorned with a non-slip gridwork motif echoing the geometrical “Tapisserie” pattern that is a signature feature of Royal Oak Offshore dials. The decorative disc adorning the crown is also in pink gold. Finally, the pushpiece-guards are composed of a rubber-moulded part, to which an additional bead-blasted titanium element is secured by a visible screw. Like other Royal Oak Offshore models, the case is embellished on the left-hand side with inserts accentuating its sporting appearance, while the anthracite aramid fibre strap adds a further technical touch to this rugged timepiece. The mechanical movement inside features an equally exceptional level of expertise, and the hand-assembled, finely decorated self-winding movement is equipped with an ultra-efficient chronograph mechanism that measures short times where speed and power are of the essence.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Reference

26378IO.OO.A001KE.01

1,500-piece limited edition

Movement

Self-winding Calibre 2326/2840

Total diameter: 29.92 mm (13 ¼ lignes)

Casing diameter: 26 mm

Thickness: 6.2 mm

50 jewels

370 parts

38-hour power reserve

Cadence of the balance: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)

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

Three-position winding crown

Finishing: all parts finely decorated; mainplate rhodium-plated, beveled and circular-grained; bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève

Case

Black ceramic case, bezel; bead-blasted titanium screws, bead-blasted titanium elements on the left side of the case

Pushpiece-guards in rubber and bead-blasted titanium

18-carat pink gold push-pieces, contact surface adorned with grid-work pattern

Black ceramic crown adorned with a pink gold disc

Diameter: 48 mm

Thickness: 14.1 mm

Bead-blasted titanium caseback engraved with the inscription Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy, steel screws

Water resistance: 100 meters

Dial

Black with exclusive “Méga Tapisserie” motif

Numerals and hour-markers in diamond-polished pink gold

Faceted hour and minute hands with luminescent coating

Strap

Anthracite aramid fibers, secured by bead-blasted titanium pin buckle. Additional strap in hand sewn black crocodile leather with large square scales

Functions

Hours and minutes

Small seconds

Chronograph with center sweep-seconds hand, 30-minute and 12-hour counters at 9 and 6 o’clock respectively

Tachometric scale

Date

Audemars Piguet Lava Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

Limited to 99 pcs for Hour Glass Singapore

Ref:26200SN.OO.D101CR.01

Functions

Hours, minutes and seconds

Chronograph

Tachymeter scale and date

Movement

Automatic

Case

PVD-coated stainless steel, 44mm

Bezel

PVD-coated stainless steel - Fixed (does not move). Eight (8) 18k white gold screws.

Dial

Black waffled dial with orange outer rim tachymeter scale, orange luminescent hour/minute/sweep second hands and Arabic numeral hour markers, date display and AP logo at 3 o'clock, and chronograph subdials.

Caseback

Solid PVD caseback sealed by 8 screws, engraved with a hourglass and "ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE LIMITED EDITION OF 99"

Strap/Bracelet

Audemars Piguet black alligator hornback strap (orange contrast stitching) and Audemars Piguet stainless steel deployment buckle with PVD clasp

Audemars Piguet - Quincy Jones visits the Manufacture

On the eve of the traditional Swiss watch industry vacation, a very special guest and above all a longtime friend came to salute the remarkable work of the watchmakers in the Manufacture.

During his visit, the legendary multi-talented artist, trumpeter, composer and producer Quincy Jones, discovered the manufacturing secrets of Audemars Piguet timepieces and in particular those of the watch bearing his name, the Millenary Quincy Jones, which was presented at the SIHH 2010.

Quincy Jones. © Audemars Piguet

Before the workshop tour, Audemars Piguet Art Director Octavio Garcia recalled the fruitful work undertaken with the famous musician in creating the Millenary Quincy Jones, a watch featuring resolutely contemporary lines and a sophisticated design playing on nuances and subtle contrasts between brilliant and satin-polished surfaces echoing the notes on the keyboard of a piano, an instrument dear to the artist’s heart.

Throughout this radiantly sunny day, Quincy Jones admired the work of these skilled watchmaking artisans, commenting that “these men and women really impress me by their precision and the expertise they display in shaping these timeless gems. They are great creative talents and passionately dedicated artists, just like those for whom I serve as producer.”

The artiste and Philippe Merk, Audemars Piguet CEO. © Audemars Piguet

For several years, Audemars Piguet and this exceptional individual have been associated in developing “Project Q”, aimed at raising political and public awareness of young people’s need for self-expression and the means that must be provided to ensure they fulfil their true potential. The cornerstone of “Project Q” is the “Q Prize”, an international award presented by Audemars Piguet and honouring a public figure or social organisation having played a central role on behalf of children. Through his Quincy Jones Foundation, the artist is also committed to helping children by improving their well-being, their health and their dignity. The new Millenary Quincy Jones watch will contribute to raising funds for this foundation.

Know-how, artistic passion and empathy… Such shared values were bound to further strengthen the ties between this music legend and the famous Swiss watch manufacturer.

Through his Quincy Jones Foundation, the artist is also committed to helping children by improving their well-being, their health and their dignity. © Audemars Piguet

In speaking of the man behind the foundation, Audemars Piguet CEO Philippe Merk said: “Quincy Jones is not only an amazing artist and a daring entrepreneur, but above all a man with a big heart. One cannot help admiring his career, especially considering the difficulties he encountered during his childhood. He gives us an important life lesson and naturally inspires profound respect.”

Before returning to Montreux where he will present his new “Quincy Jones & the Global Gumbo All Stars” ensemble, this informal yet highly emotional visit paid to the Manufacture will remain engraved in the memory of the company and its personnel. Much like the master-watchmakers who have been steadily forging the reputation of Audemars Piguet for the past 135 years, Quincy Jones has been shaping the history of music for several decades already.

Audemars Piguet Golf Ambassador Cristie Kerr Wins Second Important Title In Two Weeks

(New York, NY – June 27, 2010) Another exciting victory for an Audemars Piguet golf ambassador with victory by Cristie Kerr at the LPGA Championship (the second major championship of the year) at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, NY. She is thus adding a second Grand Slam title to her tally, after winning the US Women’s Open three years ago.

Kerr started the day with an 8-stroke lead and won the tournament by an incredible 12-strokes. Just two weeks ago, Kerr was victorious at the LPGA State Farm Classic. Kerr now becomes the first American to be No. 1 in the world rankings with this latest victory as well as only the fifth player to hold the No. 1 spot since the rankings were introduced in 2006.

“With Cristie’s win today, no other watch brand can say they have had as many tournament victories this year as Audemars Piguet. Cristie as well as our other victorious golf ambassadors Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Anthony Kim, Morgan Pressel and Miguel Angel Jiménez truly exemplify the brand’s core value of excellence. We are incredibly honored to support such remarkable talent.” says Philippe Merk, CEO of Audemars Piguet.

In addition to Cristie Kerr, the AP Golf Ambassador Team represents the company’s commitment to golf by gathering an array of exceptional players for the brand. The manufacturer’s illustrious pro-golfer roster includes Lam Chih Bing, Darren Clarke, Nick Faldo, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Shiv Kapur, Shingo Katayama, Anthony Kim, Thomas Levet, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Rocco Mediate, Morgan Pressel, Vijay Singh, DJ Trahan, and Lee Westwood.

Audemars Piguet tourbillon titanium

Audemars Piguet created a very special watch to benefit the Abruzzo nel Cuore’foundation. This year on April 6th, the people of L’Aquila were devastated by an earthquake measuring 6.3 Richter magnitude. 90% of buildings were destroyed which included close to 100 churches. The earthquake left more then 65,000 people homeless and injured and caused 307 fatalities. This was the deadliest earthquake to hit Italy since 1980. The Abruzzo foundation is helping to bring aid to the people effected by this tradgedy. The auction took place in Singapore where the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Abruzzo Tourbillon Chronograph watch, along with some items of Formula 1 racing memorabilia (such as helmets from popular race car drivers Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Sebastien Buemi, David Coulthard, and Jarno Trulli) were sold for the impressive price of $215,000.

The Royal Oak Abruzzo Tourbillon with Chronograph watch is a beautiful example of the style and technology that Audemars Piguet has displayed since the original Royal Oak watches from the 1970’s. The watch features a stunning “mega tapestry” pattern on its dial with a cutout at six o'clock revealing the tourbillon. The dial displays hours, minutes, and seconds as well as the 30 minute chronograph,You then have a discreetly injected 30 minute chronograph, that is much more subtle than most on Audemars Piguet watches.All of it is placed inside of a sandblasted titanium case matched to a fine strap with folding titanium buckle.