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Inspired by a viral social media trend, Jay (Eire) invites the WatchProSite community to reflect on their wristwear from 2016. This retrospective offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal collections and evolving tastes of seasoned collectors, highlighting watches that have endured and those that have moved on. Jay's initial post sets the stage for a rich discussion, revealing both consistent favorites and pieces that presented unexpected challenges over time.
Inspired by the young ones and this recent 2016 look back theme that’s consumed social media I thought we could put our own spin on it.
What was on your wrist in 2016?
I expect many of the same watches for a lot of us, and that’s definitely true for me. Still rocking the CB, Vagabondage and various Rolex.
But there were also some serious watches in regular rotation for me in 2016 that I no longer own. AP Royal Oak Chronograph, Patek Nautilus, IWC Perpetual and Lange’s Datograph.
Let’s see what 2016 looked like on your wrists.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, particularly the 41mm reference 26320ST, represents a significant evolution of the iconic luxury sports watch. Introduced in 2012, this model succeeded the 39mm Royal Oak Chronograph (ref. 26300ST), offering a contemporary size while retaining the foundational design principles established by Gérald Genta's original 1972 Royal Oak. It seamlessly integrated the chronograph complication into the Royal Oak's distinctive aesthetic, building upon a lineage that saw the first Royal Oak Chronograph emerge in 1997.
This specific reference showcases the Royal Oak's enduring design language, characterized by its octagonal bezel secured by eight visible hexagonal screws, an integrated bracelet with alternating brushed and polished finishes, and the signature "Grande Tapisserie" dial. The blue dial variant, as seen here, is particularly sought after, offering a vibrant contrast to the stainless steel case and bracelet. Powering the watch is the self-winding Caliber 2385, a robust integrated chronograph movement known for its column-wheel mechanism and vertical clutch, providing precise timekeeping and chronograph functionality with a date display positioned between 4 and 5 o'clock.
As a flagship model within Audemars Piguet's collection, the Royal Oak Chronograph 41mm holds a prominent position in the luxury watch market. Its blend of historical significance, distinctive design, and mechanical integrity contributes to its strong collectibility and consistent demand on the secondary market. The 26320ST, produced until 2017, is recognized as a modern classic, appealing to collectors who appreciate a contemporary size while valuing the Royal Oak's heritage as a pioneering luxury sports watch.
. . . from the original owner . . . . . . seen in this photo third from your left in the front row. He bought it at a PX in Thailand for a month's salary. On my wrist today, proudly.
I did buy my IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar in 2016, and it remains a favorite execution of that complication, so far as design is concerned.
My daily wearing was the Roadster, my first true luxury watch, which I acquired in 2003: And for dressier occasions, my Master Moon, which I acquired in 2005: Sadly, neither are part of my current collection!😢
I remember the story. Very cool.
By the mid 2010s I was mostly sizing down, and IWC PPC was a bigger watch. It remains a great perpetual choice for its ease of reading the dial and simplicity of the single crown adjustments. Your variation with that dial / case combo is particularly appealing.
This world is such that most of us can’t hold on to everything.
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