Sunday, August 28, 2011

Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Extra-Thin Watch

As there is a deep place in my heart for wild and complex watches, so too is there is place in my heart for the tasteful and simple. Honestly, some days you want a watch that soothes and elevates, as opposed to one that boggles the mind. The Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Extra-Thin is really a poster child timepiece of the new movement towards simple, minimalistic, think watches. If you can afford it, this watch is a stunner. Priced at just under $20,000.

The Millenary case here is 47mm wide and in titanium. AP is still on their "light" watch kick. At least it is not in a precious material - that would really harm the sound of minute repeater. Over on the front of the watch is a combo of a real dial and an open movement. The mix is well done from a style perspective. AP designers did a good job at combining a sense of technical sophistication with old world elegance. On the right of the dial the pink gold tones hour makers and hand are traditional and attractive. Moving to the right the dial is more futuristic. This starts with the white and red colors of the subsidiary seconds dial, as well as the open movement and exposed double balance spring style escapement. Great use of contrast by AP right?

The movement design is also interesting because of how elements are arranged. The front of the watch has elements like the minute repeater hammers and gong, as well as the escapement. These elements tends to be reserved for the back of a movement. Last, there is a new security mechanism the prevents the user from setting the time while the minute repeater function is in operation. This would otherwise potentially damage the movement. Details such as this are necessary for fully appreciating the work that went into a piece such as this. Not sure about price or how many will be made. I will learn more soon.

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