The Audemars Piguet Legacy: A Close Look at the Watchmaker’s Unique Complications
The Swiss horology scene is home to numerous brands that have sculpted the landscape of timekeeping. Audemars Piguet (AP) stands as one of these luminaries, capturing the attention of both seasoned collectors and casual admirers. What sets this brand apart from the myriad of luxury watchmakers? It's their unwavering commitment to unique complications.
We’ve teamed with watch dealers The Watch Exchange London to delve deep into the legacy of AP and understand what makes their watches truly spectacular.
A Brief History of Audemars Piguet
Founded in 1875 by childhood friends Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet, AP swiftly gained prominence with its groundbreaking designs and masterful engineering. Located in the Vallée de Joux, an area renowned for its watchmaking heritage, AP combined the region's rich traditions with innovative techniques to produce masterpieces.
From their very first-minute repeater watch in 1892 to the world’s thinnest pocket watch in 1921, Audemars Piguet exhibited a knack for shattering horological boundaries.
Royal Oak: The Game Changer
1972 saw the introduction of AP's most iconic model – the Royal Oak. This timepiece revolutionised luxury watch aesthetics with its octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, and exposed screw design. However, its beauty wasn't merely skin-deep. Inside this masterpiece ticked the Calibre 2121, one of the thinnest automatic movements ever crafted.
Complex Complications: Beyond Timekeeping
While the Royal Oak is a testament to AP's innovative design, it's their unique complications that truly underscore the brand’s craftsmanship.
1. Minute Repeater: A complication that audibly chimes hours, quarter-hours, and minutes as desired, the minute repeater is a technical marvel. AP's mastery in this field is highlighted in their Supersonnerie watches, which produce a clear, resonant sound.
2. Perpetual Calendar: Adjusting for the varying lengths of months and even accounting for leap years, AP's perpetual calendars are a masterclass in precision. Models like the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar display the day, date, moon phases, month, and leap year with peerless accuracy.
3. Tourbillon: Designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch's accuracy, the tourbillon is a rotating cage housing the escapement and balance wheel. AP's tourbillons, notably the Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin, are celebrated for their technical brilliance and artistic design.
4. Grande Complication: Marrying multiple complications into one watch is no mean feat. AP's Grande Complication models combine features like a split-second chronograph, perpetual calendar, and minute repeater, making them marvels of mechanical engineering.
Audemars Piguet Today: A Commitment to Innovation
While AP's history is rich, they have never rested on their laurels. They continue to push boundaries, embracing both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Their Code 11.59 series, introduced in 2019, exemplifies this approach, showcasing an avant-garde design combined with intricate complications.
Recent collaborations with renowned artists and creatives further demonstrate their forward-thinking approach. These partnerships, melding the world of horology with other art forms, have birthed watches that are unique and breathtaking in every sense.
Moreover, in an age where sustainability is paramount, AP has made significant strides. Their commitment to preserving forests, supporting conservation projects, and promoting eco-friendly practices sets them apart from many luxury brands.
An Everlasting Legacy in the Horology World
AP's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The brand has not only weathered the storms of time but has also set benchmarks for others to follow. Their legacy is visible in their timeless designs, intricate complications, and the passion they infuse into every time.
