Comments:
The Grande Tapisserie dials were made by dial manufacturer, Stern Creations in the past but are now made in house at the AP manufacture facilities. The process that is used to make them is not as high-tech as one might think. It actually involves a centuries old technique that dates back to the early 1600s using a pantograph like machine. The pantograph is a “mechanical linkage” system that uses parallelograms to connect a tracing element and the chisel. As the tracing element is guided across the “tapisserie” pattern on one end, the burin engraves that pattern into the dial on the other end thus duplicating the pattern. Employing ancient techniques in creating such a modern watch definitely gives it a specialized hand crafted character.
This message has been edited by pingtsai on 2014-03-07 15:08:27
Show your dials!
Dear AP fans,
Either "grande" or "petite", I find AP's "tapisserie" dials quite unique and fascinating.
It would be nice to start a "dial gathering" with photos such as this one (which is not particularly good, but still does manage to show the incredible range of colors in this "petite tapisserie bleue".
Who wants to play?
Frank
Tapisserie Dials
I completely agree about the Tapisserie dials. I think it's one of the elements that give Royal Oaks their appeal. Here is some information I've gathered about them in the past:
"Méga Tapiserie"
Hi everyone,
Here is mine! I think too that APs dials are quite impressive and unique.
Best!
Ernesto
I'll play!
Some photos for your indulgence…
RO 15202
ROO 25721ST
RO 14790TT
RO 14802 Jubilee
Lady RO
ROC 26300
Finally, a full frontal mugshot with the glorious lume 
Enjoy!
Wayne
Fernando, is this grey beauty a platinum limited edition?
Like the one for the 10 years of AP Italy?
Or am i mistaken?
This dial is stunning. Congrats!
You guys have great shots.
It's so hard for me to take such a detailed shot with my little basic digital camera. Here are my best efforts.
Chromatic fireworks! Keep the macro shots flowing in
Congrats to all for some superb shots here. Keep'em comin'!
This message has been edited by passetemps on 2014-03-08 02:32:29 This message has been edited by passetemps on 2014-03-08 02:37:38 This message has been edited by passetemps on 2014-03-08 02:40:20
Tapisserie motifs are as gorgeous as they are varied.
You watch photo artists can certainly please us with close-ups of the micro guilloché within the square cutting work on these dials.
And the chromatic richness of the dials, the way they can act as "mini prisms" that break the light spectrum into many different frequencies, can be captured, like i've tried on the shot above, but with more skills and a better equipment. That would be a feast.
I love to see red, yellow, purple, etc. reflections on my mostly blue-gray jumbo dial! It is a show in itself. No other watch I know does this (let alone in such an elegant understated manner).
Not sort of that nice petite tapisserie
I don't even sure if this is considered tapisserie
But here's what I have
Best,
Sam
Two from non-octagonal AP watches
I'm enjoying all of the photos in this thread!
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-03-08 12:22:07
My 5402ST C-Series says 'hello'...
in all original condition, nothing refinished so far:
I will have to 'study' the effects of light on this gorgeous dial in more detail, soon!
I will have to 'study' the effects of light on this gorgeous dial in more detail, soon!
Cheers,
Magnus
It is in an excellent condition, Magnus
Here's my 40th 15202 in approx. the same position, for comparison (though the photo is not as good as yours).
'Original' condition...
it was of prime importance to me to acquire a piece with an unmolested case, dial and a not worn-out bracelet (theses early Gay Frères bracelets are - as fas as I know - not reparable due to lack of spare parts).
Mission accomplished!
Cheers,
Magnus
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2014-03-12 03:05:06
We love pop-ins here...
Especially when they reveal special treasures!! ;-)
Cheers Andrew.
Such a friendly bunch...
I should pop over to the AP forum more often! Next time, we must share a glass together...
Thanks Michael!
Andrew
This message has been edited by andrewluff on 2014-03-13 06:40:17
Thanks Michael!
Andrew
This message has been edited by andrewluff on 2014-03-13 06:40:17