GLau's return to the AP House offers a fascinating look at several Audemars Piguet novelties, including the white gold Code 11.59 with a black ceramic ring that initially piqued MichaelC's interest. This post provides a collector's perspective on the tactile experience and aesthetic nuances of these contemporary references. GLau's detailed observations help contextualize the brand's evolving design language and material innovation.
Vincent the Senior Sales Associate brought out other beauties which made the visit an eye 👁 opening experience !
The WG Code has a brushed black dial which looks very strong and masculine ! The rubber strap adds sportiness to this hybrid dressy sports watch. The black ceramic middle ring provides good contrast to the WG case. I can understand why MichaelC wanted to see it in the metal.
Other pieces were the double balance open work in black ceramic (15407CE) and steel (15407ST). The ceramic is very light on the wrist and Vincent told me that it is very scratch resistance, whereas the steel has quite a bit of weight over the ceramic. The skeletonized dials are great to look at. The five digits for AP references are messing me up all the time ! 
To my surprise, the green giant was available for me to try on ! The green is difficult to describe because the shading and color both change as the dial is moved to different angles. Just mesmerizing to stare at the dail and the heft is great ! The only problem with this piece apparently is the long wait list !😢
The black ceramic PC (26585CE) has a powerful look. Although much information is on the dial, the open work makes it challenging to read. On the other hand, watches nowadays are really not used for time-keeping !🤪
The frosted gold is interesting in that it is made by a technician hand-holding a tool which hammers against the bracelet to create the pattern. This unusual look is quite unique. The rainbow stones provides good contrast, even though reading the time is not easy. Will not be showing this photo to my wife !
Complication Watchmaker, Maxim, is in AP House every Thursday and Friday to meet with collectors to inspect, explain, and fix technical issues. He was trained in Switzerland and worked with APRP.
His wrist was adorned with a [Re]master01, a limited edition of 500 pieces that come out in 2020 and it reinterprets a rare chronograph released in the 40s. Somehow I see the Code has a bit of resemblance to the [Re]master01.
What do think of these watches ? If you were to pick three, which would you select and why ?
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2021-08-05 17:59:33 About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15407ST
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked, reference 15407ST, is a contemporary interpretation within the Royal Oak collection, distinguished by its openworked dial and movement architecture. It showcases the brand's commitment to both traditional finishing and modern horological display.
This reference features a 41mm stainless steel case with the signature octagonal bezel secured by eight hexagonal screws. It houses the self-winding Caliber 3132, which incorporates two balance wheels and two hairsprings assembled on the same axis, designed to enhance precision and stability. The movement is visible through both the openworked dial and the sapphire case back.
The 15407ST is significant for collectors interested in Audemars Piguet's technical innovations and aesthetic transparency. Its openworked design allows for a direct view into the intricate mechanics, highlighting the craftsmanship applied to the movement components. This model represents a blend of the Royal Oak's established design codes with advanced horological engineering.
Specifications
- Caliber
- AP Caliber 3132
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Slate grey openworked
- Water Resist.
- 50 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 26585CE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked reference 26585CE represents a significant offering within the brand's contemporary Royal Oak collection. This model combines the established perpetual calendar complication with an openworked dial and movement architecture, presented in a ceramic case. It caters to collectors interested in both high complications and modern material applications within the Royal Oak lineage. The openworked design allows for direct visual engagement with the intricate mechanics of the perpetual calendar.
This reference features a black ceramic case and bracelet, providing a distinct aesthetic and tactile experience compared to its metal counterparts. The openworked dial reveals the self-winding caliber 5135, which offers a power reserve of 40 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch maintains a water resistance suitable for daily wear. The case diameter measures 41mm, consistent with many modern Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar models.
The 26585CE appeals to collectors who appreciate technical transparency and the use of advanced materials in watchmaking. Its ceramic construction offers scratch resistance and a unique presence on the wrist. As an openworked perpetual calendar, it occupies a prominent position within Audemars Piguet's complicated offerings, distinguishing itself from solid-dial versions through its skeletonized presentation of the movement.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 5135
- Case
- Black ceramic
- Diameter
- 41mm
- Dial
- Openworked
- Water Resist.
- 20m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
