Jules Audemars Extra Thin

Apr 22, 2014,05:37 AM
 

Those of you who read the Lange forum know that I'm on a quest for a 2 or 3 hand watch from one of the top tier manufacturers (AP, VC, PP, AL&S). In my ongoing research, I've come across the AP Jules Audemars Extra Thin again and again. I'm a huge AP fan - I already own a stainless steel RO Dualtime and my wife has a women's Jules Audemars small seconds in rose gold with a stunning guilloche dial - and I would consider adding this Jules Audemars to my collection if the competition weren't so stiff (the Lange Saxonia, Saxonia Thin and 1815 are all current contenders).


Having only seen the silver dialled rose gold version of the Jules Audemars Extra Thin in the flesh, I'm curious to hear your thoughts about the various dial options? I was particularly struck by the 2013 rose gold with silvered/white guilloche dial; I like the three dimensionality of the dial and the play of light and shadow across the watch face. The black dialled version also piqued my interest because one sees so few black dialled dress watches in the wild. This rendition seems to work especially well here, because it really contrasts nicely with the rose gold (making the rose gold case seem warmer and more lustrous ). The applied indices really stand out on the black dial, and add to the three-dimnesionality of the watch face.

Opinions and thoughts?

(Photos borrowed from Hodinkee, Worldwatchreview and Watch Insider.)


White gold, white/silvered dial

White gold, white/silvered dial


Rose gold, white/silvered dial

Rose gold, white/silvered dial

This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-04-22 10:26:30


More posts: Jules AudemarsRoyal OakSaxoniaSaxonia Thin

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Top notch but....

 
 By: Blue and White : April 22nd, 2014-07:38
Hello Academe I think with this piece you can't be wrong. I like AP myself a lot and tried the Extra Thin a while ago on my wrist. My comments: + simplistic, elegant and timeless design + superb finish, at par with PP and ALS + both silver or black dial a... 

+1

 
 By: vitalsigns : April 22nd, 2014-09:26
A very nice piece, but the size is a significant drawback for me--both the absolute size, and as B&W notes, the perceived size as well. In terms of size, the only thing I'd add to B&W's analysis is that the relatively slim bezel also impacts the p... 

Thanks B&W and John for your thoughts...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-03:18
I think that size of the case is a concern; the Lange's I've been looking at are all within the 37-40 mm range (e.g. Saxonia hand wound 37mm, Saxonia Thin 40mm, 1815 38.5mm), which I think is a good size for a contemporary dress watch. The potentially din... 

Good question academe.

 
 By: MichaelC : April 22nd, 2014-10:31
Please let me start by saying I am required to edit your post. I very much appreciate that you gave credit to the sources where you found your photos, however, we do not allow watermarked photos from other websites to be posted here. I hope you understand...  

Understood...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-03:10
...regarding the watermarked images. I hadn't meant to contravene forum rules; had just been trying to find the best images I could find. Here's an image of the 2013 release with guilloche silvered dial in rose gold (without watermark). ...  

No problem at all. Here are a few more...

 
 By: MichaelC : April 23rd, 2014-06:22
Of the same dial with the thin diamond bezel. I handled it at SIHH in 2013. Such an elegant watch with an amazing guilloche. And one more photo from my Teammate Fx without diamonds: ...  

With or without diamonds...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-15:01
...that dial is pretty stunning. What were your thoughts/reactions to the case size? Obviously, part of the equation is how the watch scales to one's wrist, but generally did you think the 41mm diameter was too large? It was a few years ago that I handled... 

Here are images of two close spiritual "cousins" of the Jules Audemars Extra Thin...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-15:07
The VC Patrimony Traditionelle (41mm; probably more of a sibling than cousin, given that this one houses the VC-equivalent extra thin automatic calibre): Lange Saxonia Thin (40mm): Similar concept for all 3 watches (i.e. generously sized extra thin case, ...  

Cousins

 
 By: vitalsigns : April 25th, 2014-09:44
Despite being larger, the VC may be OK as its bezel and lug proportions seem more substantial relative to its size. The hour indices on the VC also extend into the dial a fair ways, reducing the perceived size of the watch. But IMO, 41mm for a dressy watc... 

Exceptional watch but boring

 
 By: kennygfunk : April 22nd, 2014-15:44

"Boring" is subjective and depends on your point of reference...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-03:22
In a horological world where very big and complicated watches are extremely popular (like the ROOs, Panerais, Daytonas, Speedies and IWC Pilot watches that many of us love), there is something almost refreshing about an elegant, simple 2 or 3 hand watch. ... 

Totally agree

 
 By: Blue and White : April 23rd, 2014-05:46
Minimalism, austerity...I could not agree more with you on this point, and I think that a watch for a gentleman should have rather an understated, inconspicuous appearance than striking for (too much) attention. I have recently acquired a time piece, quit... 

Very well said! [nt]

 
 By: MichaelC : April 23rd, 2014-06:17

Top tier manufacturers.....hummm?....

 
 By: Sandgroper : April 23rd, 2014-19:25
Good morning Academe, the Jules Audemars collection is certainly my favourite current line from Audemars Piguet and the Jules Extra Thin is no exception. However, I find it a little bizarre that when mentioning the "Top Tier", one almost always cites PP, ... 

Thank you for the suggestion Francois...

 
 By: academe : April 23rd, 2014-23:15
...I hadn't considered that option. JLC is one of my favourite manufactures; I have a Grande Reverso Duo and have long-term plans to acquire a few more JLCs, including one of their calendars (Master Ultra Thin Moon or Master Calendar), and the Master Chro...