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Audemars Piguet celebrates 50 years of the Royal Oak this yr, and at present is the official date of the anniversary. To mark half a century of probably the most iconic watches — a real masterpiece of Genta design — AP has launched quite a few new fashions. Right here at Fratello, we have been fortunate sufficient to get to see them, and also have a little little bit of time to put on, shoot, and get a sense for these watches. Personally, my spotlight was the 41mm model of the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph (ref. 26240OR.OO.1320OR.01) in rose gold with a blue dial. Certain, there’s a 38mm mannequin accessible. However there was one thing merely magical in regards to the barely bigger model that caught my eye and had me googling the black-market worth of a kidney…
All jokes apart, we have been spoiled rotten by Audemars Piguet a number of weeks in the past. Attending to see all the new Fiftieth-anniversary fashions actually was a spotlight of the yr to date. Attending to strive them on, and having a better take a look at the watches rapidly had us choosing favorites. You’ve in all probability already learn RJ’s and Lex’s articles on their favorites from the lineup. Now, it’s my flip, and I’ve gone for the larger of two chronographs. As an alternative of the 38mm (ref. 26715OR.OO.1356OR.01), to me, it was its 41mm counterpart that basically did the trick. And although there are 41 references (that’s proper, depend ’em) within the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph household and 14 totally different new Fiftieth anniversary fashions — this one is (by far) my favourite.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Fiftieth Anniversary
It’s a matter of proportions and wearability, in addition to design. I feel it’s no surprise that probably the most widespread watches in current instances, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, has a 39mm case dimension. However a 39mm or 41mm watch can put on extraordinarily in another way resulting from its design, form, and options. Each my Speedmaster Moonwatch, and this Royal Oak sit within the 41–42mm vary. And whereas the Omega wears true to measurement, the Royal Oak was way more like a 39-40mm watch. That is because of the giant bezel, the slim case, and the sensible taper created by the well-known bracelet. The best way this watch matches my wrist is the best way I want each watch would. All the pieces else comes as an additional on prime. However as you’ll be able to see, there’s numerous “additional” occurring with the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph. Additional, as in the truth that it’s product of extremely completed strong 18K rose gold.
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The distinction between the deep brushed texture and the glowing polished particulars needs to be seen within the steel to be appreciated. One other vital element is the dial’s shade. Blue? Properly, positive, it’s objectively blue. However it’s additionally not simply any blue. It’s a particular shade of blue, which AP refers to as “Bleu nuit nuage 50” — a shade created particularly for the Fiftieth-anniversary fashions. The wealthy, deep blue of the Grande Tapisserie dial is complemented by rose gold particulars dotted over and round it. This consists of the watch’s central arms, hour markers, utilized emblem, chronograph arms, and golden rings surrounding the sub-dials. You’ll additionally discover somewhat little bit of white, primarily within the lume on the arms and indices, but in addition on the outer minute monitor and all of the markings within the chronograph registers.
On the wrist
So, how does it put on? Let me put it this manner: “like a dream” can be an understatement. It doesn’t really feel like a high-end piece of haute horology. Slightly, it looks like a rugged device watch, purpose-built and refined past something that is sensible. Nonetheless, once you look down at your wrist, the place you are feeling the physique that the gold offers this watch, and also you see it shining in all of its glory, you understand that this Royal Oak is each of these issues. The pushers activate with a big and responsive click on. And the crown, as soon as screwed out, is satisfying to make use of, and cleanly engages in any respect positions. The watch is undeniably refined. However one thing about its weight, form, texture, and feeling on the wrist makes it really feel like a well-trained 007 agent in a tux, as a substitute of a soft-bodied trust-fund child taking part in black-tie dress-up.
Sadly, regardless of the screw-down crown and the bolted case again, this watch solely has 50m of water resistance. Which, sure, is sufficient, however on the identical time, not sufficient — identical to the Speedmaster. Fifty extra meters and also you’re doing the whole lot you need. However at 50m, you continue to must be considerably aware of what you’re doing and the place you’re sporting the watch. Contained in the slim and completely proportioned 41mm × 12.4mm case is the Audemars Piguet caliber 2385. This 304-part motion offers 40 hours of energy reserve and provides this Royal Oak its time-telling, chronograph, and date features. If you wish to see it, all you must do is flip the watch over. Via the sapphire case again, you’ll be capable to feast your eyes on the great motion and specifically signed Fiftieth-anniversary rotor.
Aspect by aspect — the 38mm and 42mm Royal Oak Chronographs
Remaining Ideas
Seeing a big slice of the Audemars Piguet Fiftieth Anniversary assortment actually places the importance of the Royal Oak into perspective. The Royal Oak has been round for 50 years at this level, and it’s no surprise why. Experiencing the watch in particular person, even probably the most trendy iterations, immediately offers you an appreciation for the magic of its design. Fashions like this Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph Fiftieth Anniversary are the proper tribute from the model to a watch that can endlessly be synonymous with its identify. It’s a real icon of the watch world, one which we’ll look again at 50 years from now and recognize as a lot as we do at present.
What are your ideas on this gorgeous 41mm Royal Oak chronograph? As at all times, share your ideas within the feedback beneath. For extra data, go to the Audemars Piguet web site. And ensure to take a look at our protection of the Royal Oak’s Fiftieth anniversary right here.
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