AllThingsWatches shares the deeply personal journey behind acquiring his Audemars Piguet Ginza 7 Forged Carbon. This article explores the watch's significance, from its initial conception with designer Octavio Garcia to its connection with the 2011 Japan tsunami relief efforts, making it a piece imbued with profound meaning beyond its horological merits.
A little over 2 years ago I was fortunate enough to make my first visit to the Audemars Piguet Factory in Le Brassus.
I have been a huge fan of AP for many years and this was a trip of a lifetime. The people responsible for inviting me knew how much I admired Octavio and the rest of the design teams work. They were gracious enough to let me sit with him in his office.
While discussing all things audemars we talked about my purchase of the Ginza 7 in steel. It was pretty much locked in but at that time (2008) I was getting married so it was not to be. I had to turn it down when mine was ready for delivery. I have always regretted not being able to get that piece. Then we discussed a new Ginza that was to be made. I was blown away by the description of it.
Fast forward and the Tsunami of 2011 hit Japan. I have most of my family in Japan and for 10 days I wasn't able to locate one of my cousins. Fortunately we found her but for the rest of the country it was hell.
Then AP did an amazing project with Support Japan. It was a great campaign to raise funds and awareness. I was able to be a part of this in a small way. The Ginza 7 Forged then became part of this as most of you are aware.
With all these factors it is with great pleasure to introduce my very own Ginza 7 Forged Carbon. It has everything I love about AP and more in 1 watch.
This is a watch that has so much meaning of what it stands for and who was behind it in helping me acquire one. Huge thanks go to the NY boutique staff (Will, Jonny, Manuela and Jasmine)Octavio Garcia and AP Japan.
The images are of the hand drawn sketch from Octavio as we sat in his office in 2010, the Support Japan wall clock and of course the Ginza 7 Forged Carbon.
