Audemars Piguet X The Hour Glass (Commemorative Edition)
We’re celebrating our 40th! (More on that here).
To mark the occasion we’ll be unveiling a series of commemorative watches, the first of which was announced last Friday. Limited to 20, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph The Hour Glass Commemorative Edition (Ref.26332PT.OO.1220PT.01) features a 41 mm 950 platinum case, green “Grande Tapisserie” dial with contrasting yellow gold-toned counters, solid gold hands and markers.
Underneath the glare-proof sapphire crystal, gold lume-filled hour markers encircle the dial. Shorter markers are found at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The date window can be found at the 4:30 position, displaying the date in a white script against a matching green backdrop. It’s an unobtrusive and highly legible take on date window placement.
On the theme of legibility, the high contrast sub-registers pop against the dark green “Grande Tapisserie” dial. With a snailed running seconds sub-register at 6, a 30-minute counter at 3 and a 12-hour counter at the 9 o’clock position. Disengaged, the central chronograph seconds hand lies dormant between the double baton markers at the 12 o’clock position.
Broad applied hands are generously filled with lume. So too are the baton style hour markers. Whereas on the three sub-registers, thick glossy black hands and markings contrast nicely, looking almost wet under bright light.
Large octagonal chronograph pushers flank a screw-locked crown on the right of the watch. As usual, the attention to detail in the construction and finishing of the case and bracelet is astounding. Displaying a mix of highly polished and alternating brushed surfaces, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph The Hour Glass Commemorative Edition is a treat to examine up close.
A deeply recessed script encircling a highly polished ‘Royal Oak’ logo, is found on the back. To the right, a reminder of its platinum construction. Deriving its name from the Spanish term platino – meaning “little silver’ – platinum possesses an impressive heft which complements the angular design of the Royal Oak. ‘950’ is in reference to the purity of the platinum.
The watch is powered by selfwinding calibre 2385 endowed with an integrated chronograph and a column wheel chronograph mechanism. The 304-component movement measures in at 26.20 mm (11 1⁄2 Lignes) in diameter and is 5.5 mm tall. There are 37 jewels and it ticks at a frequency of 3 Hz (=21,600 vph), with 40 hours of power reserve.
Equal attention is given to the platinum integrated bracelet. Made up of faceted links, with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces. This Commemorative Edition also comes with an additional green alligator strap.
A true collectible for watch connoisseurs and enthusiasts, the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph The Hour Glass Limited Edition affirms Audemars Piguet and The Hour Glass shared passion for excellence and innovation, as well as a commitment to the preservation of Haute Horlogerie craftsmanship.
