Best of Audemars Piguet

 Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that has produced many iconic watches throughout its history. Here are some of the brand's greatest watches:

1. Royal Oak (1972): The Royal Oak is perhaps Audemars Piguet's most famous and iconic watch. Designed by Gérald Genta, it was the brand's first luxury sports watch and featured a distinctive octagonal bezel with exposed screws and integrated bracelet. The Royal Oak has been produced in many variations over the years and is still highly sought after by collectors today. The first Royal Oak carries a ref. 5402, A series price is getting higher year by year. 

2. Royal Oak Offshore (1993): The Royal Oak Offshore was a larger, more rugged version of the original Royal Oak, designed for extreme sports and adventure. It featured a 42mm case and a bold, masculine design. The Royal Oak Offshore has also been produced in many variations over the years and remains a popular choice among collectors. 

3. Millenary (1995): The Millenary was a departure from Audemars Piguet's traditional round watch designs, featuring an oval-shaped case and an off-center dial. The watch was designed to showcase the brand's hand-finishing and watchmaking expertise, with a visible balance wheel and intricate movement decoration.

4. Jules Audemars Minute Repeater (2000): The Jules Audemars Minute Repeater is a highly complicated watch that features a minute repeater complication, which chimes the time when a button is pressed. The watch also features a tourbillon and perpetual calendar, making it one of Audemars Piguet's most sophisticated timepieces.

5. CODE 11.59 (2019): The CODE 11.59 is a relatively new addition to Audemars Piguet's lineup, introduced in 2019. It features a unique, octagonal case with a round dial and is available in a variety of complications, including a tourbillon and perpetual calendar. The CODE 11.59 has been praised for its innovative design and high level of craftsmanship.

These are just a few examples of Audemars Piguet's greatest watches. The brand has produced many other notable timepieces over the years, and its commitment to quality and innovation has made it one of the most respected names in the luxury watch industry.

In short, I am a fan of Audemars Piguet, I collect the Royal Oak typically the 39mm Jumbo 5402 and first batches of Offshor. I think this is its 30th anniversary, but due to the trend for watch size is getting smaller, so a 42mm Offshore may not catch up too much of attention. But I think that is second in the list of most successful watch series from Audemars Piguet.

HK Snob

Audemars Piguet watch service is likely a rip off!

AP charges me for complete service a Royal Oak 5402BA with HK$198,000!  (US$25,710.00)

That is more than the SRP of a brand new automatic Royal Oak.

I went there two times already first time meeting lady and ask me to sign some document but I did not as it was about 6pm. I made another appointment again to meet them again. That was back in June. So I left the watch however they quote me verbally the complete service of this watch is about $100,000. Official quote has to be sent from AP le Brassus.

I also presented my Royal Oak Offshore 25770ST to them to overhaul, it is a chronograph and the charge was $14,000; and it was retuned me in two months... I was satiafied with that service.

I have asked them last two weeks why it take so long for the official quote for my 5402, they told me summer vacation of Switzerland… last Thursday they call me that the complete service charge is $198,000. That is to me not a reasonable price. My request is the break down for the charges, of course there will be a meeting on 14 Oct at AP House on this.

My experience in service watches typically watch I the past 3 year are here:-

Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800/1A white gold $10,250, 3.5 months – two year warranty, Superb service!

Rolex Daytona 16528 overhaul HK$9,000 (two months) – Good service.

IWC Pilot White gold perpetual calendar 34mm as I need to readjust the time from gain of 12 sec. a day then they retuned me with 2 sec. gain a day in two week! It was free as the watch is under warranty. This is an excellent service.

Richard Mille RM-11 Ti not running well, it time to overhaul after 2011. The charge was $28,500  2 months to return me…- Superb service, and I got one year extra warranty on that watch and a beautiful RM watch box.

Well, back to them 5402 well, this is an old watch believed it is in the year 1972. But it is a simple two hand automatic watch with JLC 2121 movement…

I think any one in HK can do the same job… but I just afford there in in case some parts is needed would be nice to be done in Audmemars Piguet.

This told me I was wrong… as according to AP House, there are only two watch smiths such are qualified to do this watch overhaul in Swiss… if that is true I just wonder wo can repair the 1985 ultra thin AP Perpetual calendar, which I had before.. probably the charge will be aso very high!

What I guess they don’t want to service older watch… or they would like to charge at certain percentage of the current value of your watch… this looks more appropriate as my 5402 which may worth at $2M. So say 10% o it would be about $198,000, Oh I just discovered the secret AP formula… as I had talked to the CEO of AP at Linked In page…he told me to send my detail info to social.media@audemarspiguet.com. That had been more than 10 days with no reply at all, even after my resent messages! Completely sucks! 

Conclusion

1.       They have only two qualified smith to handle vintage automatic Royal Oak watch in their factory

2.       How to service more complicated watch such as 1985 Perpetual calendar or even Tourbillion? Or Subcontract this service to other watch makers in Switzerland? That is why thy have to charge much higher?

3.       The charge scheme is based on 10% of the current value of the watch for complete service ?

4.       Comparing with excellent repair services at Patek, Rolex, IWC , Richard Mille Audemars Piguet is really need to learn from them in service support.

5.       The one who bought this 5402BA in 1972 saved Audemars Piguet from bankruptcy is now being punished for sending them the watch to repair… is that a Karma? IWho saved the Audemars Piguet in 1972-1974?

6.       Should I consider buying more Audemar Piguet watches in near future? No, I have the reply as I think there are better choice for me… Patek, Vacheron Constantin , Richard Mille, IWC, Panerai Rolex, Tudor or Grand Seiko! 

Moral of the story, AP is not as what I used to think it is as before.

I always believe a good after sales service is key to win a market segment.

HK Snob

Top Picture is now being a hostage for repair at le brassus 

Second picture top one is the Nautilus 3800/1a white gold after complete service at Patek Philippe Switzerland with just HK$10,250 still under two years warranty. I am super happy with Patek Service!

Audemars Piguet 26000PT Perpetual Calendar in Platinum on sale

 AP 26000PT limited 90 pcs

Limited to 90 pieces

Watch only

running in great condition

HK$330,000

HK Snob

A Visit to Audemars Piguet Boutique at IFC Central, HK on 15 Oct 2016

 

 

I was invited to make such visit to AP boutique at IFC 

 

 

The Royal Ok Double Balance Wheel in Pink Gold



 



 

 

The Royal Oak Double Balance wheel openworked had talked these stabilizing issues by fixing a second balance wheel and balance-spring assembly on the same axis.

The new "Dualbalance" patented geometry involved a very complex manufacturing procedure, but the payoff is : Greatly improved precision and stability.



 

Pink Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ref. 15407OR.OO.120.OR.01

Double balance wheel in stainless steel Ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.01

 

 

 

 

Pink Gold, Steel and Titanium Bezel for Royal Oak

 

1988 Solid Gold wit gold base plate Vintage Collection item

 

AP 1955 Solid gold Skeleton manual winding watch

 

My Left hand with an IWC Portugese Perpetual Watch I worm today and the Double Balance Wheel in Steel on my right hand.

If you are interested, visit this Audemars Piguet, boutique Hong Kong, at IFC Mall. you can look for Alec, who will serve you.

Address:-
Shop 2040, Podium Level 2, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St. Central.
Telephone  28180008

Of course, you can call me for more availability and Price.

HK Snob

Audemars Piguet 15170OR.OO.A809CR.01 Auto Rose Gold Full Set on Sale

There are many people who loves AP Royal Oak and there are a also a lot of people who likes the Classic Dress watch of AP!

This is one of them.

Rose gold, 39mm, Automatic movement with 9 mm thickness carry a Calibre 3120 movement.

There is nothing more except a Date and a second indicator, of course there is the most important information it carried " Audemars Piguet" made this a Gold Classic watch for you.

Transparent bottom to show you he AP master watchsmith hand crafted on the 22 KT rotor and those beautiful finishing.

Now it is on sale asBrand new unused Full Set for just SGD$18,000!

The watch is in Singapore, if you are in Singapore would be best as the seller will be glad to show you this watch.

Fore more information, go for the detail Specication here:-

Specifications

Case

Glareproofed sapphire crystal and caseback

Dial

Pink gold applied hour-markers, pink gold hands

Bracelet

Hand-stitched "large square scale" alligator strap with 18-carat gold pin buckle or 18-carat pink gold bracelet with AP folding clasp

Reference

15170OR.OO.A809CR.01

Functions

hours, minutes, center seconds, date

Movement thickness with module

4.26 mm

Total diameter

26.6 mm

Total diameter

11¾ lignes

Type of balance

With Variable inertia blocks

Frequency of balance wheel

3,00 (=21'600 alternances/hour) Hz

Type of balance-spring stud-holder

Screwed mobile stud

Balance-spring type

Flat

Direction of automatic winding

Bidirectional

Type of oscillating weight

Monobloc in 22-carat gold

Number of jewels

40

Power reserve

60 h

Number of parts

280

specificities

• Stop balance when setting time
• Oscillating weight with ceramic ball bearings
• Bevels of the bridges are diamond graved
• Inverted snailing on bridges

Calibre

Selfwinding Manufacture Calibre 3120

Front

Back

 

You Can WhatsAPP me to get the Seller's Contact Via +639989811111

 

HK Snob

AP 15450 PRICE

Dear Reader

I had mistakenly deleted your comment.

Your price of AP is as follows

AP 15450OR MRSP HK$225,000
AP15450ST MRSP HK$130,000

Normally we can get less 20 to 35% (depends on Model and availability)

HK Snob

Jules Audemars Chronometer with AP Escapement

The above Pictures were taken by HTC One XL at HKIA 15 Nov

This is an Audemars Piguet Chronometer with AP

Escapement, 46mm 18-carat pink gold case with black enamel dial.

It is fitted with hand-wound Calibre 2908 Chronometer movement with power reserve and small seconds displays.

Lubrication-free Audemars Piguet escapement and double balance spring operating at 43,200 vibrations/hours (6Hz) and offering a Power reserve of 90 hours.

HKIA Snob
HK Watch Fever
HK Kong Tsan

Audemars Piguet Quantieme Perpetuel

AP is another brand of watch that I like, this is a Pepertual Calendar watch made of solid 18 KT gold.
The No. 88 is perfect for Chinese, we call it "Double Rich"!

HK Snob

Audemars Piguet Thin Automatic men's Dress watch

This is an AP thin Watch, automatic winding with date, That may be installed with the famous movement 2120 as the first generation of Royal Oak used. 12 facet back cover screw in type, perfect for a men with a lot of sweat in Summer time of HK! Friend of mine asking me for HK$27,800.
HK Snob

Audemars Piguet 18KT gold for my daughter

This was the very first lady watch for lady I bought in Bangkok World Trade Centre during 1997 Asian Financial crisis. As on that few days I remembered Thai baht dropped from three Baht to 7 Baht Vs one HK dollar in three days, I bought a few watches in one day. One Rolex Datejust lady two tone with diamond on Red dial. One Cartier Santos two tone auto and this lovely Audemars Piguet in 18KT gold… At that time I was prepared to give this to my elder daughter when she would grow up a bit.. and I just ttook back for cleaning in HK. This is a small, Elegant yellow gold watch with a touch of Art Deco design pattern on the perimeter, extremely fine manual winding mechanism, silent, and accurate.
HK Snob
PS Audemars Piguet produces an average of 30,000 watches a year with a team of 450 staff in Switzerland nowadays.

40 Years after its birth, Royal Oak Jumbo has a price!

It has been 40 years after the likely one of most beautiful watch design was created by Gerald Genta in 1972, with continuously applause of such beautiful Watch by watch lovers all over the World, a new Memorial Royal Oak design is created in 2012.

However, the original First Generation Royal Oak indicates that there is a group of die hard collectors looking for it. It is rare as AP produced only very small number of it to test the maket acceptance for the Exquisite Sport Watch as the first time.
Since the timeless 2120 movement was introduced in its Royal Oak case in 1972, with movement thickness of 3.05mm, one of the World’s thinnest mechanical Automatic movement, it provides the Hour, Minutes and Second, Date Display function. At the same time this movement Cal 2120 was being used later on Patek Philippe Nautilus 1976 and Vacheron Constantin Model 222.

The Calibre. 2120 was actually developed by Jaeguar Le Coutre. Now after 40 years, this first generation Royal Oak had appeared in Recent Auction with final bid of HKD$311,250!

Really this is a good start, I have a 18KT Solid gold one… Don’t know how much it values? It is Lower as Some one said than the Stainless steel version, but Someone said it is more expensive!. Well, needless to argue, there I have been seeing more than one time in HK market for Stainless steel Verison, one was In Champangne Court two years back, asking for HKD$59,000.00 as the condition was not too attractive! But the next day I went there, it was sold! The second time I saw it is in auction. I had a wonderful chance to get the Gold one. It is Numbered NO.XX!

It is rare too! It comes with the International Waranty booklet!

HK Snob

Gerald Genta's Greatest Watch Design, the AP RO

Two Important AP Royal Oak
The Swiss Watch Enterprise including AP was almost gone into bankruptcy in 1969 due to the Japanese new Invention on Quartz watch...The Seiko Astron that was announced to be launched in Dec 1969. At that Time Seiko overseas advertisement said “ Someday all watches will be made this way” Well, that was a great invention as it could achieve a accuracy of 0.2 second a day which is a new challenge to the traditional mechanical watch even from Switzerland. And all in sudden people would go crazy to pursue buying one of these Watches. At that time Seiko Could produce about 20 pieces a month with the price for a Car…
However, on the other side of the world Charles Gerald Genta who was requested to design a new Sport watch for AP… the Royal Oak Series, a new bold design by employing 8 screws to tighten up the bezel on to the base chassis, a kind of beauty that shocked the world… and This became one of the Most adorable watch design in the 1972. Whereby triggering big sales revenue that actually saved AP from going into Bankruptcy.
Attached I the First Generation AP Royal Oak in 18Kt… the Movement was special Designed made by JLC... a super thin movement with overall thickness of less than 7mm (inclusing the case of the watch).
On the left side I ns 1997 HK Time Zone AP limited version for HK only in memorizing the Return of HK back to China.
Besides AP Royal Oak, Gerald deigns the nautilus for PP and Overseas for VC... these are now still the Flagship series of these three Greatest Watch brands,
Charles Gérald Genta contributed to the designs of Swiss luxury watch firms including IWC, Universal Geneve, Veraheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, among several others. He was reported in August 2011 that Genta had died at the age of 80.
He is the master of Watches design, and he is the Icon of Swiss watch, Watch visionary. When we wear these Great Wactches we should pay respect to Gerald Genta….
Mong Kok Snob

Audemars Piguet Diamond Dress Watch

This is an 1989 AP with about 600 pieces of diamond on the whole watch dial, cases and Strap. For Man only. This is a bit too shinny in day time, and too showy at night time... What kind of occassion I can use?...Well, may be the day I attend my daughter wedding dinner party. Definitely this watch took up of about minimum 400 hours for The AP watch master to hand craft to the highest level of watch-jewellery. Thin Hand Wind Calibre of Audemar Piguet.

HK Snob