MichaelC highlights the Audemars Piguet Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph as his favorite novelty from SIHH 2013, despite the Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complications taking center stage. This article offers an in-depth look at a highly complex and exquisitely finished timepiece, embodying AP's commitment to traditional complications.
While it is completely acceptable that the new Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complications were the stars of the show, my favorite novelty from Audemars Piguet in 2013 is definitely the Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph. I immediately added it to a short list of ultra dream APs (joining the Millenary Titanium MR, ChronAP, MC12, and a few others).
Remember the first part of AP's 2013 underlying theme? "Tradition / Complications". Well Friends, no piece better executes these attributes than this wonderful new creation from the Master watchmakers at Audemars Piguet.
The watch is being offered in two 10 piece editions. We are looking here at the titanium case / white gold bezel / silvered dial. The other version will feature a pink gold case, white gold bezel, and anthracite dial. Both models utilize pink gold applied Arabic numerals and hands. A 30 minute counter is placed at 3:00, and a running seconds hand atop the tourbillon. Both are also fitted on the same hand-stitched "large square scale" black crocodile strap, and include a folding clasp in either white gold or pink gold.
The Tradition case is so wonderful. A robust 47mm size maximizes the sound volume of the minute repeater. Paired with titanium, a lighter and harder material, the complication is allowed to perform at its best possible auditory experience.
The crown, pushers, and minute repeater slide are discreetly incorporated into the case.
The chronograph seconds and minutes hands are both black on this version, while the regular hours, minutes, and seconds are pink gold. I like when the elapsed time hands are coordinated separate from the main time reading hands.
Turning the watch over reveals even more beauty than the front side, if that is even possible.
While these photos do not adequately capture the immense beauty of this movement, I can say the finishing I observed in person was as fine as any watch I have ever held. Bevelling, recesses, sinks and sandblasting are all visible. Hundreds of hours go into this finishing process on the Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph's hand-wound manufacture calibre 2874. AP states the hand-made decorations account for more than 30% of the movement's value.
Details of this incredible engine:29.90 mm diameter
7.65 mm thick
38 jewels
504 total parts
48 hours power reserve
21,600 vibrations/h
I know my good friend Francois will bail me out here with much nicer photos that will perhaps better capture the amazing beauty of this incredible timepiece. For now, take my word it is one of the greatest material objects I have ever held in my hands. I did not have access to the pink gold cased variant, but will add a press photo.
Reference numbers for the Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon Chronograph are:26564IC.OO.D002CR.01 - titanium case, white gold bezel, silverized dial, 10 pieces
26564RC.OO.D002CR.01 - pink gold case, white gold bezel, anthracite dial, 10 pieces
