WPS member · Audemars Piguet forum
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Peter, known as pfang56 on the forums, recently shared his experience with a diamond-encrusted Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, sparking a lively debate about its aesthetic and practical merits compared to ceramic models. His initial post questions whether the extreme scratch resistance of diamonds makes this jeweled timepiece a superior choice, prompting the community to weigh in on taste, durability, and wearability. This discussion offers valuable insights for collectors considering high-jewelry timepieces.
Saw this incredible piece. I am a huge fan of Ceramic for its scratch resistance and avant garde properties, but is this model even better?
I think after trying this out - yes it's pretty spectacular but I definitely am not the right phenotype to pull it off. Diamond definitely is more scratch resistant than ceramic...
Anyway, pretty amazing. Makes me wonder if I should get a jeweled model in the future.
Cheers
Peter
Key Points from the Discussion
- The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in question is an openworked version, demanding a specific style and attitude from its wearer, and potentially having a transformative effect on their persona.
- Diamonds possess significantly higher scratch resistance (70+ GPa) compared to ceramic (22 GPa) and sapphire (17 GPa), making them theoretically superior for durability.
- Despite the extreme hardness of diamonds, a practical concern arises regarding the potential for individual stones to fall out of the setting.
- The author notes the watch is extraordinarily heavy, suggesting it's more suited for occasional events rather than daily wear, unless one's profession aligns with such opulent display.
- The jeweled Royal Oak offers next-level wrist presence, yet surprisingly might weigh less than some Panerai or Rolex Sea-Dweller models, or even a ceramic 'beast' from AP.
- The author contemplates the practical benefit of diamonds on the bezel, a common 'scratch magnet' area, as a potential solution for enhanced durability.
- The openworking on this specific diamond-set model is perceived to be of a higher caliber than the 'traditional' Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked Ref. 15407.
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