Collection
Moc shares his deeply personal journey acquiring the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Squelette, a watch he considers the epitome of haute horlogerie. His post delves into the emotional weight of such a significant acquisition, including the difficult decision to part with his beloved 15305 to make room for this 'sophisticated lady.' Moc provides a detailed look at the watch's design, emphasizing its elegance, finesse, and the intricate contrast between its modern Royal Oak aesthetic and refined movement.
That's how I see it.
The opportunity came along ,I didn't think much but those days were long and a little painful as I had to make a quick move.
I usually take my time ,I ve learnt that compulsive buys are not good and that usually my guts are right,whether they give me a good or sometimes bad feeling.
Though I took the plunge and went for it,I couldn't t pass.
It wasn't in my short term plans nor shortlisted for future acquisition,but there was always a special place in my heart for the Royal Oak perpetual calendar Skeleton,it always symbolized for me the epitome of haute horologerie and finesse,a mature achievement,a connoisseurs watch,but for some reasons always secluded in the dream watches department,almost unobtainable,a watch to consider in the future.
I had to make a sacrifice and let go my 15305,a watch I adored and I ve worn for a year,but I couldn't justify keeping both,as it was a little redundant in my small collection.So i took the decision to go for this sophisticated lady,even though I didn't(according to my standards)put enough thoughts to it.I received the last little push from a fellow Purists/Mod/inspiration(you know who you are).
The watch arrived,the sense of overwhelm hasn t left me yet,I will have time to know more about it,to enjoy it more to understand it and appreciate it.This is a watch that matures with you like an old bottle of wine,a watch that will never stops amazing you and that will reveal itself over and over with new aspects and details.
The first feeling is one of elegance,finesse,delicacy;a huge contrast between the ever so amazing modern design of the RO and the hugely refined movement,the slimness of the case and the incredible achievement to manage to fill it up with so much horological abundance.
The bracelet,case,clasp are much thinner than the 15300/15305 in the true spirit of the Jumbo,much more delicate and elegant.What is it with this icreible design that we are all still in love with?Timeless.
The dial is mesmerizing,some might claim for more legibility,but here you admire time and on the other hand my sight is pretty good
.
A dial/movement that has 2 sides and 2 distinctive characters,a more technical,modern look underneath the dial surface,a more traditional skeletonization and decoration on the back.2completely different approaches that complement each other soooo well.
Front
beauty of the mighty back:
What else can I say I will let the pictures talk,I will take more in time,but I wanted to share even though I posted a couple already.All these pictures are not consistent,I wanted to use different light,backgrounds,effects as its quite a difficult watch to photograph.I hope I did a decent job with it and that you all enjoy.
Today I feel more horologic-ally mature,i don t know if it makes sense but that's how I feel......
Yours,Mo
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reference 15305 is a notable variant within the Royal Oak line, distinguished by its openworked dial and movement, offering a direct view into the intricate mechanics. This reference represents a more elaborate and technically complex interpretation of the standard Royal Oak, appealing to collectors who appreciate haute horlogerie and the art of skeletonization. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a less common sight compared to its solid-dial counterparts. The openworked design allows for an appreciation of the finishing and architecture of the movement, a hallmark of Audemars Piguet's craftsmanship.
The watch features a 39 mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, maintaining the classic Royal Oak proportions. It houses the self-winding Caliber 3120, which is meticulously openworked and finished to expose its components. The movement provides a power reserve of 60 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 50 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed octagonal bezel, a signature element of the Royal Oak, is also in 18k yellow gold.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a Royal Oak with an enhanced level of mechanical artistry and exclusivity. Its openworked nature sets it apart from more common Royal Oak models, positioning it as a piece that highlights Audemars Piguet's technical prowess in movement decoration and design. The 18k yellow gold construction further emphasizes its premium status. While not a double-signed piece as mentioned in the collector's post, the 15305 stands on its own as a significant openworked Royal Oak.
This is also an important piece, in my heart. But now, youn raise a question: What will happe, to your RO Skeleton, I mean the no perpetual calendar one? This one is, in my opinion, a killer watch which may well kill your RO skeleton, too. One of my 3 fav Perpetual Calendar, in all simplicity. Best, and huge congratulations, Momo le Chameau! Nicolas
I had to make the sacrifice,for sure,I didn t feel I could keep 2 RO skeletons,even if i enjoyed it a lot. This is different though a very different watch. What are your other 2 fav perp? Let me guess..VC Sq and.....can t guess the otherone(I am not counting the GYro!!!!!) Mine are the De Bethune 15/ 25 and the JLC 8 days sq. Momo le Chameau(good memories), This message has been edited by moc on 2012-02-27 02:40:15
I am very happy.... Mo
As for the other perpetual calendars, a Vacheron, for sure, skeleton ( Patrimony ) or not ( Perpetual Calendar Chrono from the ES Series ). And I still hesitate between two others, the UN Perpetual, the friendliest I know, and the JLC Skeleton 8 Days, for sure. But this AP Skeleton is very high in my list. And it has a bit of JLC inside. Best, Nicolas
this I don t know ,but if it was..thats why I like it so much....even more mo
Nothing downgrading here, for sure. Best, Nicolas
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