NOT a Royal Oak . . .
Mods: Please do not move this post to the brand specific forum.
From its inception (in the late 1800s), Audemars Piguet ("AP") was principally a haute horology manufacturer. Early on, they commenced their "Grande Complication" line of superlative watches that continue through the present day. Through the years, AP manufactured many of the most innovative, complicated and technically advanced watches of their time (or any time). AP's achievements are too numerous to list here.
In 1972, AP deviated a bit from its roots and, with the assistance of Gerald Gentra, introduced the Royal Oak line of sport watches. Needless to say, the Royal Oak (and ROO) became a wildly successful, iconic watch that, today, is what most people associate with AP. I suspect AP sells ten Royal Oaks (inc ROOs) for every non-Royal Oak it sells. I briefly owned a Royal Oak Offshore Scuba, but it did not work well on my wrist and I let it go.
Fortunately, AP never abandoned its haute horology roots and, even as it turned the Royal Oak line into a house-hold name, AP continued to manufacturer innovative, technically advanced watches. As I looked beyond the Royal Oak design, I fell in love with AP's Jules Audemars line of complicated pieces, including their amazing minute repeaters, tourbillons, split second chronographs, and grand complications, as well as their Millinary No. 5. IMHO, this is what AP is all about -- this is AP's DNA. The Royal Oak line is fantastic and, if I were at the helm of AP, I would squeeze every drop out of the Royal Oak line, just as AP is doing. That being said, AP was founded first and foremost as a manufacturer of highly complicated watches, and that remains their core character even today.
Yesterday, I took delivery of an AP Jules Audemars Tourbillon Chronograph. Remarkably, I purchased the watch having never seen one in the metal. However, I was so captivated by the photos that I proceeded on faith, knowing that, if it was an AP, it would incorporate the highest standards of workmanship and finish. I am pleased to report that I was not disappointed. To the contrary, my new AP exceeds my expectations by a considerable margin.
The watch is indescribably beautiful . . . classic, yet contemporary . . . visually stimulating, yet understated . . . in a word, timeless (without being staid). The tourbillion is extremely well finished and utterly mesmerizing – it has a small cut out at the bottom that extends through the entire movement (unfortunately, the watch was delivered freshly wound and, therefore, I was unable to capture the true beauty of the tourbillion because it was in motion when I took the photographs – I will shoot more photos when the tourbillion is stationary). The column wheel chronograph operates as smooth as butter. The gold hands and matching gold roman numerals set against the guilloche dial is absolutely stunning. The case finishing is excellent, and includes some brushed surfaces (the sides of the lugs in particular) to add character. The finishing of the movement is first rate, albeit not particularly ornate (I would gladly wear this watch upside down). Even the strap is fantastic.
Rather than bore you with more words, all of which fail to do the watch justice, here are a few photos (I took these late last night, in a rush, so please excuse the mediocre quality – the black reflections on the side of the lugs and case is particularly bad).
First, a good photo taken by someone else (much better than my photos):
Now my inferior photos:
AP’s photos of the movement:
Needless to say, I am ecstatic about this watch!
Regards,
Craig
Ps: To those who find it ironic that I acquired a tourbillon, designed to improve accuracy, after proclaiming that accuracy is over-rated, I freely admit that my love of tourbillons has little to do with improved accuracy. Rather, I love tourbillons because: (1) they represent a technical competence and proficiency that few watchmakers are able to master; (2) they are visually captivating; (3) watches with tourbillions are rare and distinctive; and (4) I find the historical origins of the movement interesting and part of the mystique of the watch.
Congratulations Craig..................
Its a beautiful looking watch.
Your photos do it justice.
beautiful Craig.
not you, the watch of course 
i totally understand why you bought a tourbillon, and i can understand why you sold off so many so cheaply and quickly so you could buy this. i'd be afraid to wear it.
i'm also not a fan of the ROO. the only AP i own is a Star wheel which i hope fits in the lower end of haute Horologie and is probably the only AP i'll ever have.
wear it and enjoy it
best
Graham
Congrats!!!!
having seen that in the metal before, I can attest to its mesmerizing beauty. Enjoy!!!
.... and not inferior photos
Thank you for sharing
Best
Damian
You have guts!
Though i bet ur heart was beating super fast the moment u opened the package.I totally agree with what u said about the tourbillon. Its so captivating to jst look at it. Feels like the heart of the movement.
Pics are great. Huge congrats for this beauty. U must feel at the top of the world with that new watch. I bet all ur other watches must feel a notch "ridiculous" next to this one :P
Wear it in good health Craig!
Karim
Wow congrats Craig!
Great choice IMO and the AP Millenary line makes a lot of awesome watches and gets overshadowed by the Offshore line.
This is a great choice within your collection!
Cheers,
Anthony
The Philosopher strikes again
Wonderful watch Craig.
I must admit, your posts make me chuckle. The Brinks teaser was especially amusing. Sadly, what you have written here is not news. The non-octagonal APs are frequently overlooked, yet typically represent AP's finest achievements. I purchased my first AP, a rubberclad Offshore, in 2002. I have certainly indulged my love of the Oak and Offshore lines, but also own Millenary and Jules Audemars watches. I have some "Offshore" friends who will not even consider beautiful Royal Oaks like the jumbo or RO chronograph, letalone one of the other cases (and to no surprise, the Royal Oak case would likely fit most wrists better than its larger sibling anyways).
If I created a list of my 5 favorite AP watches, I'm not sure an octagonal one would make the list. Maybe at 4 or 5, but certainly no higher. I commend the purchase. If I were of the means it would absolutely be a piece I would collect.
You can't make a request
NOT to move the posting to another forum.........
Well, apart from the fact that the Editors (AnthonyTsai & MTF) and moderators have editorial responsibility, we cannot move it because.......er....PuristSPro has no AP forum
Yes - we know there is an AP brand forum on ThePuristS but that is on another server!
Congratulations on the watch from another owner (albeit a previous edition)
MTF
Great Acquisition Craig! when I do get my AP, it too will not
Awesome watch! Congrats, Craig!
Wear it in the best of health.
